Exploring the lived experience of homelessness from an occupational perspective
Date
2017-03-21Author
Subject
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Working in homelessness is a growing area of practice for occupational therapists, however, there is limited literature on the lived experiences of homelessness and occupational engagement Study aim: To explore the lived experience of homeless men in relation to how they engaged in day-to-day occupations when sleeping rough or hostel dwelling Methods: Data were gathered from five men residing in a homeless hostel in the UK. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and photographic diaries. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Results: Participants described their experiences of occupational engagement whilst sleeping on the streets which included engaging in survival occupations, the significance of apparently ordinary occupations and moving beyond survival occupations. The homeless hostel provided opportunities for occupational engagement that the men perceived in an idiosyncratic manner. The men described benefits of engaging in novel occupations and reengaging in known occupations. Occupational injustices were a common theme that occurred throughout participants experiences Conclusion: This study has highlighted the diversity of occupational engagement for 'roofless' or 'houseless' participants and how different individuals experience occupational adaption Significance: This study has furthered understandings of the concept of 'survival occupations' and the importance of community resources to facilitate occupational engagement whilst homeless.
Description
Collections
Publisher
Place of Publication
Journal
Volume
Issue
Pagination
Recommended, similar items
The following license files are associated with this item:
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
AN EXPLORATION OF SLOVENIAN OLDER PEOPLE’S OCCUPATIONS AND THE INFLUENCE OF TRANSITION INTO A CARE HOME ON THEIR OCCUPATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Križaj, Tanja (University of Plymouth, 2017)This research explored older Slovenians’ occupations, including the ways in which the transition into a care home influenced their occupational engagement. The research encompassed three stages. Stage 1 investigated ... -
Walking as a meaningful leisure occupation: the implications for occupational therapy
Wensley, R; Slade, A (SAGE Publications, 2012)<I>Introduction:</I> In response to growing interest in leisure in occupational therapy and the importance of understanding how occupations maintain, enhance and promote health and wellbeing, a qualitative phenomenological ... -
A new way of seeing; how can occupational therapists harness arts-based occupations for social transformation? The case of participatory photography.
Cunningham, M; Warren, A; pollard, N; Abey, S; Hardwick, R (18th WFOT Congress, Paris, 2022-08-28)