Occupational adaptation and identity reconstruction: a grounded theory synthesis of qualitative studies exploring adults' experiences of adjustment to chronic disease, major illness or injury
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Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Walder, Kim
Molineux, Matthew
Year published
2017
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Background: Adjustment to occupational disruption and loss following illness or injury is a complex, subjective experience. A number of studies have provided insight into this process within specific conditions and populations. Some studies reveal a process of occupational adaptation. Others describe reconstruction of an occupational identity, as expressed and defined through occupation. Examining these studies collectively can provide a deeper insight into these processes.
Purpose: This study involved a synthesis of qualitative studies investigating the lived experience of adjusting to chronic disease or a significant ...
View more >Background: Adjustment to occupational disruption and loss following illness or injury is a complex, subjective experience. A number of studies have provided insight into this process within specific conditions and populations. Some studies reveal a process of occupational adaptation. Others describe reconstruction of an occupational identity, as expressed and defined through occupation. Examining these studies collectively can provide a deeper insight into these processes. Purpose: This study involved a synthesis of qualitative studies investigating the lived experience of adjusting to chronic disease or a significant health event. The key research question was how people adjust to chronic disease, major illness or injury from the perspective of occupational adaptation and occupational identity. Method: A systematic search of four databases identified qualitative studies exploring the personal experience of adjustment in adult populations with a range of significant health issues (excluding mental health and palliative care). Using occupational adaptation and occupational identity as sensitising concepts, findings of eligible studies were re-analysed using a 12-step grounded theory methodology, identifying central themes, and bringing these together collectively to construct a theoretical framework. Results: Thirty seven papers met inclusion and quality criteria. Analysis revealed a process of adapting how and what occupations were performed, and re-establishing an occupational identity, facilitated by achieving adequate levels of competence, motivation and confidence in occupational performance. Conclusion: This synthesis provides further evidence to confirm adjustment to chronic disease, major illness or injury as a process of reconstructing an occupational identity and occupational adaptation.
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View more >Background: Adjustment to occupational disruption and loss following illness or injury is a complex, subjective experience. A number of studies have provided insight into this process within specific conditions and populations. Some studies reveal a process of occupational adaptation. Others describe reconstruction of an occupational identity, as expressed and defined through occupation. Examining these studies collectively can provide a deeper insight into these processes. Purpose: This study involved a synthesis of qualitative studies investigating the lived experience of adjusting to chronic disease or a significant health event. The key research question was how people adjust to chronic disease, major illness or injury from the perspective of occupational adaptation and occupational identity. Method: A systematic search of four databases identified qualitative studies exploring the personal experience of adjustment in adult populations with a range of significant health issues (excluding mental health and palliative care). Using occupational adaptation and occupational identity as sensitising concepts, findings of eligible studies were re-analysed using a 12-step grounded theory methodology, identifying central themes, and bringing these together collectively to construct a theoretical framework. Results: Thirty seven papers met inclusion and quality criteria. Analysis revealed a process of adapting how and what occupations were performed, and re-establishing an occupational identity, facilitated by achieving adequate levels of competence, motivation and confidence in occupational performance. Conclusion: This synthesis provides further evidence to confirm adjustment to chronic disease, major illness or injury as a process of reconstructing an occupational identity and occupational adaptation.
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Journal Title
Journal of Occupational Science
Copyright Statement
© 2017 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Occupational Science on 22 Jan 2017, available online: 10.1080/14427591.2016.1269240.
Note
This publication has been entered into Griffith Research Online as an Advanced Online Version.
Subject
Occupational therapy
Allied health and rehabilitation science
Human resources and industrial relations