ORCID

Abstract

ABSTRACT SYNOPSIS:UK research explored forensic mental health occupational therapist and service user experiences of sensory processing and occupational participation. The incorporation of sensory processing information in occupation-focused practice is recommended.LEARNING OBJECTIVES:At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to appreciate the utility of an experiential approach in occupational therapy research.At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to consider how to incorporate sensory processing in occupation-focused practice.At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able understand the importance of addressing Transactionalism in occupational therapy.ABSTRACT:Purpose:The phenomenon of sensory processing is an everyday experience which occurs in all environments and influences occupational participation (Dunn, 2001; Williams, 2017). This dynamic and transactional phenomenon is core to occupation-focused practice yet is seldom recognised in forensic settings.Design and method:This PhD research aimed to explore the phenomenon of sensory processing and its influence on occupational participation. Following a Scoping Review, the research method used an experiential qualitative approach, first to explore UK based forensic mental health occupational therapists practice-based experiences (Study One), and then the lived experiences of consumers of these services (Study Two).Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore sensory processing and occupational participation, using semi-structured interviews which were reflexively thematically analysed. A hermeneutic circle was also used to construct meaning to generate occupation-focused recommendations for practice.Results:The combined results of the Scoping Review, Study One and Study Two generated the following results:Adapting activity and environment is important in these restricted settings; Rules prevail but opportunities for choice and control are possible; Complex and multi-factorial environments need to be addressed with awareness of Transactionalism (Cutchin & Dickie, 2012); Kindness matters and needs to underpin service delivery.Conclusion:This research generated new knowledge regarding the experiences of sensory processing and occupational participation in a forensic mental health setting.Impact Statement: The research-based practical recommendations demonstrate the utility of incorporating sensory processing information in occupation-focused practice, as well as highlighting the importance of occupational therapists addressing the transactional nature of occupational therapy.

Publication Date

2025-08-01

Event

AOTA INSPIRE 2025

Publication Title

American Journal of Occupational Therapy

Volume

79

Issue

Supplement 2

ISSN

0272-9490

Acceptance Date

2025-03-23

Deposit Date

2025-06-04

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