Activities people with cognitive deficits want to continue mastering – A scoping study

Abstract

Introduction To date, potential difficulties that people with cognitive deficits meet in everyday life are relatively well known, but in which activities mastery is desired, and why, is less researched. The aim of this study was to develop deeper knowledge about activities that people with cognitive deficits want to continue mastering in everyday life and the reasons why these activities were desired. Method In the frame of a scoping study, articles were gathered and charted. Sixteen qualitative studies were selected as meeting the aim of the study and analyzed with a descriptive-interpretative method. Findings The analysis of the studies showed that the desired activities conveyed social values or independence, supported significant roles, diminished negative influence on other people, and increased health and safety. Linkages, in the form of dependencies between the desired activities, were also identified. Conclusion When planning for interventions for facilitating everyday activities, for example with technology, it is beneficial to consider both safety and values that are more closely related to meaningfulness and wellbeing. Most difficult activities were identified as hindering outdoor activities, and targeting those activities might be most valuable for enabling active everyday lives for this group.