Occupational Therapy: A Critical Overview, Part 1

Abstract

This article provides an overview of occupational therapy by analysing those philosophical aspects that are generally held in high regard by the profession. It attempts to demonstrate that current professional beliefs and related models of practice may be flawed and may have a far greater negative Influence on the profession than is generally acknowledged. Part 1 challenges some of the core philosophical ideas of occupational therapy, in particular concepts related to health through occupation, the meaning of occupation, purposeful activity and occupational dysfunction.