Abstract
Service Users’ lived experiences of sensory processing, occupation and forensic mental health
ABSTRACT
Background
Sensory processing is a universal dynamic mind-body process which all individuals experience, is influenced by the environment and will impact participation in occupations.
Forensic mental health service users are encouraged to participate in occupationally enriching opportunities, for safe community reintegration. Emerging evidence indicates links between sensory processing and mental health, but with limited guidance on how this translates into occupationally focused practice in a secure setting.
Aim
This PhD research explored the lived-experiences of five service users in relation to sensory processing and its influence on their occupational participation.
Method
Phenomenology was used to explore sensory processing and occupational participation, using semi-structured interviews which were reflexively thematically analysed. A hermeneutic circle was then used to construct meaning.
Findings
This study constructed the following four meanings: ‘Activity opportunities are important’, ‘Rules prevail’, ‘Complex and different environments’ and ‘Kindness matters’.
Implications for practice
To improve the future quality of services in these settings, sensory processing needs to be holistically incorporated into occupation-focused practice. Recommendations include: assess and improve the sensory environment, redesign activity pathways to increase occupation opportunities, incorporate service user and staff collaborative redesign suggestions.
KEYWORDS
occupational justice, inclusion, mental health conditions
TOPICS
• Mental Health
• Occupation Focused Research and Research Methods
• Student Research
ABSTRACT
Background
Sensory processing is a universal dynamic mind-body process which all individuals experience, is influenced by the environment and will impact participation in occupations.
Forensic mental health service users are encouraged to participate in occupationally enriching opportunities, for safe community reintegration. Emerging evidence indicates links between sensory processing and mental health, but with limited guidance on how this translates into occupationally focused practice in a secure setting.
Aim
This PhD research explored the lived-experiences of five service users in relation to sensory processing and its influence on their occupational participation.
Method
Phenomenology was used to explore sensory processing and occupational participation, using semi-structured interviews which were reflexively thematically analysed. A hermeneutic circle was then used to construct meaning.
Findings
This study constructed the following four meanings: ‘Activity opportunities are important’, ‘Rules prevail’, ‘Complex and different environments’ and ‘Kindness matters’.
Implications for practice
To improve the future quality of services in these settings, sensory processing needs to be holistically incorporated into occupation-focused practice. Recommendations include: assess and improve the sensory environment, redesign activity pathways to increase occupation opportunities, incorporate service user and staff collaborative redesign suggestions.
KEYWORDS
occupational justice, inclusion, mental health conditions
TOPICS
• Mental Health
• Occupation Focused Research and Research Methods
• Student Research
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Occupational Therapy Europe Foundation and the Polish Occupational Therapy Association |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-83-970803-0-0 |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Oct 2024 |