Occupation as Spiritual Activity

Abstract

Although spirituality is rarely explicitly mentioned in the occupational therapy literature, it is implied as an interwoven part of the human system. This article explores the meaning of occupation in the context of sociological and Judeo-Christian theological frameworks and the meaning of spirituality in the occupational therapy clinic. A case is made for acknowledging spirituality in clinical reasoning as a centralizing component of the patients' motivation and assignment of meaning to life.

Religion, Spirituality, and Career Development in African American College Students: A Qualitative Inquiry

“…Such findings highlight the premise that some African Americans' religious or spiritual beliefs, values, and practices may serve as a vital basis for understanding thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors related to their career development. Howard and Howard (1997) suggested that religion is a filter through which religious or spiritual people assign meaning to their lives. These researchers also noted that occupations are spiritual activities that serve as a basis for life's meaning.…”

“…Religion refers to the degree to which individuals adhere to the prescribed beliefs and practices of an organized religion or a Higher Power. Spirituality refers to individuals' belief in the sacred nature of life in all of its forms and the manifestation of this belief in a quest for goodness and interconnectedness with other persons and things (Howard & Howard, 1997;Mattis et al, 2004;Walker & Dixon, 2002).…”

Use of Religious Observance as a Meaningful Occupation in Occupational Therapy

“…Most of the respondents (77%) felt that religious observance is an important occupation to address in practice when it is meaningful to the client. The respondents recognized religion's role in health promotion and well-being, which is a finding that has been supported by studies in and outside of the occupational therapy literature (Engquist et al, 1997;Farrar, 2001;Howard & Howard, 1997;Johnston & Mayers, 2005;McClain, Rosenfeld, & Breitbart, 2003;Peralta-Catipon & Hwang, 2011).…”

Three Views of Artful Practice in Psychosocial Occupational Therapy

“…Spirituality is embedded in occupation and interwoven into all of one's daily activities (Christiansen, 1997;Howard & Howard, 1997;Peloquin, 1997;van Amburg, 1997). Peloquin (1996a) asserts that "meaningful occupation animates and extends the human spirit."…”