Some Factors influencing Occupational Engagement for People with Schizophrenia Living in the Community

Abstract

With the emergence of occupational science, there has been renewed interest in the health benefits of occupational engagement and a call for more research into the occupational nature of humans. Engaging in occupations is known to have a positive effect on an individual's health and sense of wellbeing. A common feature of people with schizophrenia, however, is a decrease in volition and a reduction in the occupations performed. This study explored some of the influences on occupational engagement for people with schizophrenia living in the community. A qualitative approach was chosen, using semi-structured interviews. Four male and four female participants, aged 23 to 49 years, described the influences on their occupational engagement. Content analysis, primarily using coding and memoing, was employed to categorise the data. Four main themes emerged: health, routine, external factors and internal factors. Some specific factors identified within these themes were medication, daily schedules, staff, family, work, self-concept and challenges. The implications of the results are discussed, with particular reference to assisting occupational therapists to enable clients with schizophrenia to engage more successfully in occupations.

Factors influencing subjective perceptions of everyday occupations: Comparing day centre attendees with non-attendees

“…In particular, more depressive symptoms were associated with perceiving less valued occupations while more general psychopathology was related to worse satisfaction with daily occupation. The finding that more severe psychiatric symptoms were linked with less occupational value and satisfaction could indicate that the target group, along with perceiving worsening mental problems, decrease their engagement in social contacts and everyday occupations, as reported elsewhere (36).…”

Engagement in Activities and Occupations by People Who Have Experienced Psychosis: A Metasynthesis of Lived Experience

“…Emerson et al (1998) noted the common assumption that the symptom of anhedonia dampens the potential for enjoyment and pleasure from activities for people with psychosis. However, this was not supported by the data in many studies listed under this theme (Legault and Rebeiro 2001, Chugg and Craik 2002, Deegan 2002, Hitch 2009). …”

Participation by doing: Social interaction in everyday activities among persons with schizophrenia

“…Other researchers have found these factors to be important in making the activity meaningful and engaging to the performer. Chug and Craik (26) found that enjoyment and pleasure were important factors influencing occupational engagement. Hvalsoe and Josephsson (12) found that a strong indicator for meaningfulness is the presence of a close connection between occupation and the personal values and preferences of the individual.…”