Neuro-occupation and the management of chronic pain through mindfulness meditation

Exploring the Evolution and Utility of Neuro-Occupation: A Scoping Review

Neuro-occupation was developed to study the relationship between the nervous system and occupation. Pragmatic implications of neuro-occupation have not been previously summarized. This study aimed to determine how neuro-occupation has been defined, applied across relevant fields, and evolved over time. We performed a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Twenty-five works related to neuro-occupation published between 1997 and 2020 were included. We found that neuro-occupation evolved from utilization primarily in the United States to an international term applied to different clinical populations. Common themes were: (a) the reciprocal relationship between the nervous system and occupations; (b) the Intention, Meaning, and Perception (IMP) model of neuro-occupation; and (c) pragmatic implications for occupational therapy practice and interventions. We suggest an updated definition of neuro-occupation. In addition, we contend that although the term neuro-occupation was developed in response to historical debates in occupational therapy, continued use creates more confusion than clarity.

Adaption to Stroke: A Nonlinear Thinking Approach in Occupational Therapy

This paper explores the role of perturbance and attractor, two key nonlinear features described by the Neuro-occupation model in shaping human behavior. A convenience sample of eleven Iranian participants who had both strokes and demonstrated high resilience were recruited for this study. To explore the process of how participants fell under the influence of the perturbance and attractor, the content analysis with pre-determined categories using deductive reasoning was used. The findings suggest that perturbance and attractor exerted considerable influences on adaptation to stroke and assist in the understanding of the Neuro-occupation model.

Application of Nonlinear Dynamics Theory to Neuro-Occupation: A Case Study of Alcoholism

Nonlinear dynamics systems theory, also referred to as chaos theory, is infiltrating the biomedical and social sciences, including the practice of occupational therapy. Consequently, the Neuro-occupation model has emerged for the treatment of different illnesses, in which a therapist strives to apply the benefits of this theory. This model provides occupational therapists with a method of anticipating the natural flux between underlying or hidden order and chaos in occupations, which allows individuals to function at their highest level. These occupations typically involve the interaction of numerous variables over time. By considering a nonlinear dynamics approach in illnesses such as alcoholism, occupational therapists may understand how meaningful occupations serve as a catalyst to facilitate change, which may assist in better understanding the effect of the therapeutic relationship with the clients they serve. This paper explains the nonlinear dynamics of the interventions in a single case study on alcoholism using the Neuro-occupation model.

Mindfulness Training for Occupational Therapy Students

Introduction:

This article describes the experiences of occupational therapy students over the course of three mindfulness programmes, designed to support them in managing stress in their personal and professional lives.

Method:

Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore the experiences and perceptions of 20 students undertaking these introductory programmes of mindfulness. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and emails.

Findings:

Five themes are presented to demonstrate the effects of mindfulness on students' personal lives, academic work and practice placements. Obstacles to mindfulness practice were found, alongside evidence of benefits in enhanced self-awareness and insight into habitual thought patterns. Techniques for managing stressful situations were used successfully.

Conclusion:

Implications arising from the study are discussed, including the potential for the future inclusion of mindfulness training within the occupational therapy curriculum.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for People with Chronic Conditions

This practice analysis describes the philosophical tenets and methods associated with an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme offered to a heterogeneous group of community-dwelling individuals living with chronic conditions. The programme was sponsored by an occupational therapy graduate school as a community service and was provided by the author. The programme evaluation suggested that participants learned new ways of living, which synthesised change and acceptance strategies. The participatory learning environment, mindfulness training and lifestyle modifications associated with MBSR enhanced the participants' occupational adaptation, sense of empowerment and experience of flow during the performance of occupations. MBSR is an evidence-based approach that is consistent with the occupational therapy emphasis on health promotion and satisfying engagement in life.