Sacred Texts: A Sceptical Exploration of the Assumptions Underpinning Theories of Occupation

Abstract

Background. Occupational therapists share some basic assumptions about occupation that are rarely challenged and are held to be true. These assumptions underpin our theories of human occupation. Purpose. To probe some of the core assumptions that inform current occupational therapy theory and to determine whether these are culturally specific or have supporting evidence. Key issues. Evidence suggests that some of occupational therapy's entrenched assumptions reflect specific rather than universal perspectives; that many meaningful occupations cannot be categorized as self-care, productivity or leisure; that the concept of leisure is an ableist, class-bound, and culturally specific concept; that current models of occupation overlook activities motivated by connections to others; that productivity is not universally perceived to be central to life's meaning nor universally experienced as a positive contributor to health; and that independence is not universally prized. Implications. Occupational therapy's theories of occupation would benefit from a sound evidence base derived from diverse cultural perspectives.