Occupation science
Occupation science is a discipline that examines how individuals engage in everyday activities, termed "occupations," which encompass physical, productive, and social interactions. This field emerged from the practice of occupational therapy, which focuses on using daily activities as therapeutic tools for those who are ill, injured, or disabled. The foundation of occupational science was influenced by early 20th-century social and mental health movements that emphasized the importance of daily life functions for well-being and independence.
Established as a formal field of study in 1989, occupational science aims to support occupational therapy through scientific research and improved treatment methods. Practitioners within this field explore a wide range of topics, including how demographics like gender and race shape occupational choices, the impact of culture and economics on perceptions of normalcy, and strategies for enhancing health and quality of life through engagement in activities. Research methodologies may include case studies and observational techniques.
Occupational scientists also investigate the concept of "occupational adaptation," observing how individuals modify their behaviors and skills through their experiences. Overall, occupation science is dedicated to understanding and facilitating the diverse ways people occupy their time and space, making it a vital area of study for promoting individual health and societal participation.
Occupation science
Occupational science is the science of everyday living. This field focuses on humans not only in the workplace but also in all types of activities. In this context, "occupation" is defined as how individuals occupy the spaces that surround them and how they occupy their time.
Occupational science encompasses occupational therapy as well as philosophy and motivation of individuals when choosing activities. Occupational therapy, the use of everyday activities in treating individuals who are disabled, ill, or injured, preceded the founding of the scientific field. "Occupation" as defined in this context refers to all activities that are physical, productive, and social and provide some benefit.
History
Several movements prominent in the early twentieth century influenced the founding and development of occupational science. The work of social activists, pragmatists (those seeking practical answers to problems), and mental health activists led health-care providers to view normal functions of daily life as necessary to one's health and welfare. Being able to do things for oneself provides a sense of independence, which aids individuals in defining themselves.
The National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy was founded in Washington, DC, in 1917 and formally changed its name to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in 1921. The organization was established to develop occupations that would benefit patients, collect and share developments in the field, promote research, and foster cooperation with other organizations involved in rehabilitation.
University of Southern California professor Elizabeth Yerxa spurred a rebirth in occupational therapy in 1967 when she proposed study of the foundation of the field. She believed the field was not living up to its stated goals in studying occupation. Occupational science became an established field of study in 1989 when Yerxa and the University of Southern California founded the first degree program and occupational science department. The stated purpose of the newly defined field was to support occupational therapy by establishing scientific research and improved treatment methods. Soon after, the Journal of Occupational Science was established.
Studying Occupation
Some occupational scientists and therapists concentrate on particular clients, such as geriatric or pediatric patients, or particular treatment areas, such as arthritis, burns, cardiac rehabilitation, hand therapy, or vocational rehabilitation. Practitioners may examine how gender or race might affect one's pursuit of occupation. Other areas of study include autism and autism spectrum disorders, healthy aging, rehabilitation science, and spinal cord injury, as well as physical aspects such as hand-eye coordination and internal processes. Practitioners question how outside factors determine an individual's intentions, how aspects such as economics and culture influence what a society regards as "normal life," and how individuals influence society through actions.
Occupational science also is concerned with using occupation engagement to benefit one's health or quality of life. Occupational scientists seek to understand how individuals react to changes in occupation—for example, when an accident or injury prevents a person from engaging in a favorite activity such as playing basketball or performing everyday tasks. Research may involve case studies, observation, and other methods. The field draws upon the work and resources of many other fields, including arts, anthropology, biology, education, gerontology, literature, pediatrics, psychology, and sociology.
"Occupational adaptation" refers to the ways people change their nature by engaging in occupation. One such example is young children engaging in play, which helps them develop. A child might progress from sitting on a playground swing while being pushed to actively setting oneself in motion. As the child gains confidence, they may swing higher. In time, the child may move on to climbing structures and using other apparatuses.
Occupational Science in Practice
Many things may influence the decision to engage in an occupation, including cultural standards and traditions, emotions, environment, morality, motivation (to achieve a goal or improve skills, for example), and the rules of an individual's society. These and many other elements are of interest to those who study occupational science.
As an example, people may notice some weeds in their garden (environment). They are motivated to remove the weeds before they grow larger to make the garden appear more beautiful. If neighbors can see the garden, people may be motivated to remove the weeds to avoid the neighbors' disapproval (a cultural standard or rule of society). Occupations might include going to the area where tools are stored, selecting tools, taking them to the area where the weeds are growing, using the tools to dig up the weeds, carrying away the weeds, replacing the soil or mulch, and putting away the tools. The results of this occupation might include greater enjoyment of the garden (emotion), possibly the pain of a blister, and the benefits of physical activity (health).
On another level, the occupation also may have a meaning of which the individual might not be conscious. The person may have developed a love of gardening from a parent who acquired this skill and interest from generations of gardeners. The individual may take pride in having a garden after years of saving and dreaming about buying a home with a yard. A gardener who has a developmental disability or who has experienced an illness or injury might require occupational therapy to help identify the problem (weeds in the garden), understand the response and process (choose the tools needed to remove the weeds, remove them, and dispose of them), and perform the task (grasp and use the tools). Occupational science is interested in all aspects of occupation and, through occupational therapy, enabling individuals to participate.
Bibliography
Clark, Florence A., et al. "Occupational Science: Academic Innovation in the Service of Occupational Therapy's Future." American Journal of Occupational Therapy, vol. 45, no. 4, 1991, pp. 300–310, doi:10.5014/ajot.45.4.300. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016.
"History of AOTA Accreditation." American Occupational Therapy Association, www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Accreditation/Overview/History.aspx. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016.
Nelson, David L. "Why the Profession of Occupational Therapy Will Flourish in the 21st Century." American Journal of Occupational Therapy, vol. 51, no. 1, 1997, pp. 11–20, doi:10.5014/ajot.51.1.11. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016.
"Research Library." UW–Madison Occupational Science, U of Wisconsin, www.education.wisc.edu/occupational‗science/researchlibrary/index.html. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016.
"What Is Occupational Science?" Australasian Occupational Science Centre, U of Wollongong, 14 Jan. 2011, ahsri.uow.edu.au/aosc/occupationalscience/index.html. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016.
"What Is Occupational Science?" USC Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, U of Southern California, chan.usc.edu/about-us/os-and-ot/what-is-os. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016.