Can Occupational Therapists Be Both Humanists and Christians? A Study of Two Conflicting Frames of Reference

Abstract

The word ‘humanist’ has been used in textbooks, articles and conference papers to help describe the unique philosophy of occupational therapy. This links in with increasing interest about models of practice and the underlying philosophy of the profession. Humanism is defined in two ways: as it has been used in philosophy, both past and present, and as it is used in current practice in occupational therapy. Reference is made to the conflict which can arise between the beliefs of Christianity and humanism. The authors advise caution in using the word ‘humanism’ as a blanket descriptor of occupational therapy when humanistic practice may conflict with behavioural, developmental or psychodynamic approaches. Humanism is seen as a theory talked and written about in occupational therapy but is seldom seen in practice.