Moller, Matthias (2016) Occupational science, positive psychology and flow as interdisciplinary contributions influencing the occupational therapy profession: rehabilitation for health and happiness? In: Economics, Health and Happiness, 14.01.2016-16.01.2016, Lugano, Switzerland. (Unpublished)
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
While clinical psychology has traditionally focused on deficits and disability, positive psychology is, as outlined by its protagonists Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, intended to be a science of positive subjective experience, aiming to develop a knowledge base built up on human strengths, privileging persons’ resilience and resourcefulness. One of its most popular concepts is “Flow”, a psychological state that occurs when one is totally involved in activity. Since using meaningful activity as therapeutic means is a core domain of occupational therapy, the concept of flow is increasingly considered as both easily understandable purpose and outcome of occupational therapy interventions. Positive psychology is compatible with central occupational therapy assumptions, since it underlines the importance of people’s subjective resources. Flow and occupational therapy can find strong theoretical references in the new discipline of Occupational Science. Founded 25 years ago, it aims to study the concept of human occupation, as it is still poorly understood and largely overlooked as important factor in the physical, mental and social health of individuals and populations. Originally intended as discipline predestined to expand occupational therapy’s theoretical knowledge base, it is becoming more and more independent from the mere rehabilitation sector. While the human is viewed as a complex occupational being, occupational science focuses on the mechanisms by which occupation contributes to people’s health and wellbeing, stating that occupation is central to the current understanding of human happiness. Research shows that Flow is related more to the emotional aspects of subjective well-being; however, most mechanisms by which engagement in occupations promotes health and well-being are still not fully understood. Occupational science always promoted a truly interdisciplinary approach, by explicitly integrating knowledge generated within related disciplines, as e.g. positive psychology. The presentation will discuss the links between positive psychology, occupational therapy, and occupational science, by outlining their commonalities and giving examples of innovative inter-professional healthcare researches.
| Item Type: | Article in conference proceedings or Presentation at a conference (Speech) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Subjects Allied to Medicine > Others in subjects allied to medicine > Occupational therapy |
| Department/unit: | Dipartimento economia aziendale, sanità e sociale |
| Depositing User: | Matthias Möller |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Sep 2016 09:51 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Sep 2016 09:51 |
| URI: | http://repository.supsi.ch/id/eprint/7762 |
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