Occupational Adaptation as a Construct: A Scoping Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: This study integrates research on practice applications of the construct of occupational adaptation with occupational therapy and occupational science literature.

Integrating consequences of stroke into everyday life – Experiences from a long-term perspective

“…Occupational adaptation is a construct used within occupational therapy to describe the process and/or outcome of the interaction between the person, occupation and environment in response to occupational challenge [24]. By performing daily activities, stroke survivors have been reported to gradually discover their strengths and weaknesses [25], which can lead to new priorities as well as negative feelings and the loss of occupations [1,26,27].…”

Occupational adaptation – analyzing the maturity and understanding of the concept through concept analysis

“…Occupational adaptation is a concept used within occupational therapy to describe the process and/or outcome of the interaction between the person, occupation, and environment in response to occupational challenge [1]. Successful occupational adaptation results in a person responding masterfully and adaptively in the face of occupational challenge, to enable competence in the occupations associated with an individual's life roles [2].…”

“…Successful occupational adaptation results in a person responding masterfully and adaptively in the face of occupational challenge, to enable competence in the occupations associated with an individual's life roles [2]. However, like many concepts used within the profession, its conceptualisation lacks consensus across the profession and is open to considerable debate [1]. Incorporating earlier literature on adaptation by Llorens [3] and others [4][5][6][7], Schkade and Schultz [8] developed the first theoretical understanding of occupational adaptation.…”

“…As well as these two models, various divergent conceptualisations have appeared in the literature. As a result, the concept is used within the profession with a significant degree of ambiguity and debate, thus warranting exploration [1].…”

The Use of Occupational Adaptation in Research: A Scoping Review

“…In a recent scoping review by Grajo and Boisselle (2018), the construct of occupational adaptation and its application in occupational therapy practice was described. Although their review applied a different aim compared to the present review, some similarities in research gaps were found.…”