scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "American Journal of Occupational Therapy in 1985"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to develop normative data for adults to enable clinicians to objectively compare a patient's score to a normal population parameter.
Abstract: The Box and Block Test, a test of manual dexterity, has been used by occupational therapists and others to evaluate physically handicapped individuals. Because the test lacked normative data for adults, the results of the test have been interpreted subjectively. The purpose of this study was to develop normative data for adults. Test subjects were 628 Normal adults (310 males and 318 females) from the seven-county Milwaukee area. Data on males and females 20 to 94 years old were divided into 12 age groups. Means, standard deviations, standard error, and low and high scores are reported for each five-year age group. These data will enable clinicians to objectively compare a patient's score to a normal population parameter.

1,597 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: People who were younger, who incurred their disability at a younger age, and who blamed themselves and felt they could have avoided the injury also tended to report higher levels of well-being.
Abstract: Advances in health care science allow more people with spinal cord injuries to live to old age. The purpose of this study was to determine those factors that contribute to the well-being of middle-aged and elderly spinal cord-injured people. One hundred spinal cord-injured people, ranging in age from 40 to 73 years, completed an extensive structured interview. In general, respondents reported a degree of well-being on the same measures of satisfaction and depression that was slightly lower than that of similarly aged nondisabled people. Pearson correlations indicated that people experiencing high levels of well-being reported high levels of perceived control, had higher levels of social support, and judged their health status to be good. These people also viewed their disability more favorably, tended to have higher incomes and more education, were employed, and were more religious than those indicating lower levels of well-being. The severity of the spinal cord injury was not correlated highly with subjective well-being, although there was a tendency for those with greater disability to report lower levels of well-being. People who were younger, who incurred their disability at a younger age, and who blamed themselves and felt they could have avoided the injury also tended to report higher levels of well-being.

105 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results suggest that the fieldwork experience stage has the greatest impact on the development of a therapist's preference for a specific area of clinical practice.
Abstract: Occupational therapy students and student supervisors in 65 fieldwork centers nationwide responded to a survey designed a) to appraise the relative value of the fieldwork experience in the occupational therapist's professional development and b) to identify the elements perceived as being essential to a good fieldwork experience. Three stages of professional development were examined: the preprofessional, the academic, and the fieldwork experience. Results suggest that the fieldwork experience stage has the greatest impact on the development of a therapist's preference for a specific area of clinical practice. This article discusses the primary influences in the three stages that contribute to this preference formation.

91 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This pilot study describes and compares the time use for physical child care of two groups of mothers--those with physically handicapped preschoolers and those with normal preschoolers, and suggests that frequency data alone could be collected in further studies in this area without appreciably reducing the accuracy of the results.
Abstract: This pilot study describes and compares the time use for physical child care of two groups of mothers--those with physically handicapped preschoolers (N = 16) and those with normal preschoolers (N = 21). Each mother completed a questionnaire on the time she spent in three categories of physical child care activities. These activities included feeding, personal care, and transportation for physical care. Investigators collected data on both frequency and duration. They reported descriptive data for all categories separately and combined. The results of the study show that the mothers of the physically handicapped preschoolers spent significantly more time engaged in physical child care activities than did the mothers of normal preschoolers. Results also show a high correlation between frequency and duration data for physical child care. The results strongly suggest that the mothers of physically handicapped preschoolers spend significantly more time in physical child care than do the mothers of normal preschoolers. They also suggest that frequency data alone could be collected in further studies in this area without appreciably reducing the accuracy of the results.

76 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The implications that adult socialization theory can have on occupational therapy education and which values and attitudes may be transmitted during the socialization process for occupational therapists and other health professionals are examined.
Abstract: This article examines the implications that adult socialization theory can have on occupational therapy education. Sociological literature about professional socialization is reviewed and related to the preparation of occupational therapists. The discussion includes a description of the goals, processes, and participants in professional socialization. Consistency of socializing influences is presented as a critical factor in the formation of strong professional role identities. Finally, the article considers which values and attitudes may be transmitted during the socialization process for occupational therapists and other health professionals.

74 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A perceived lack of adequate preparation of occupational therapists for the role of student supervisor and evidence that the profession needs to assume a more active role in providing formal, standardized training programs for the occupational therapy student supervisor are demonstrated.
Abstract: This paper examines the distinguishing characteristics of the effective and the ineffective supervisor and the role, responsibilities, problems, and current needs of the occupational therapy student supervisor. Data were obtained through questionnaires received from 188 therapists and 127 students in 65 fieldwork centers nationwide. Responses indicate a perceived lack of adequate preparation of occupational therapists for the role of student supervisor and provide evidence that the profession needs to assume a more active role in providing formal, standardized training programs for the occupational therapy student supervisor. The results demonstrate a need for greater accountability for the quality of the fieldwork experience and the supervisory process guiding that experience.

70 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A case example is given that demonstrates how work hardening can be a cost-effective and time-saving bridge which spans the gap between curative medicine and the return to work.
Abstract: Work hardening, presented in this paper as a "new" service for the industrially injured, is actually well grounded in the traditional models and practices of occupational therapy. From the profession's early roots in industrial therapy to the development of a variety of programs for the industrially injured through the 1950s and 1960s, the historical and philosophical bases of occupational therapy support the use of work as an evaluative and therapeutic medium. What is actually new is the adoption of terminology, technology, and a program format that fits in with the needs of consumers in the 1980s. Recent developments that created the need for the specialized services that occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to provide include growth of private sector vocational rehabilitation, changes in workers' compensation laws, and increasing costs of vocational rehabilitation. This paper describes work hardening in its present form. A case example is given that demonstrates how work hardening can be a cost-effective and time-saving bridge which spans the gap between curative medicine and the return to work.

56 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of the literature explains the basic anatomy and kinesiology of the shoulder complex, the various etiologies of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and the pros and cons of specific treatment techniques.
Abstract: Development of a painful shoulder in the hemiplegic patient is a significant and serious problem, because it can limit the patient's ability to reach his or her maximum functional potential. Several etiologies of shoulder pain have been identified, such as immobilization of the upper extremity, trauma to the joint structures, including brachial plexus injuries, and subluxation of the gleno-humeral joint. A review of the literature explains the basic anatomy and kinesiology of the shoulder complex, the various etiologies of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and the pros and cons of specific treatment techniques. This knowledge is essential for the occupational therapist to evaluate effectively techniques used to treat the patient with hemiplegic shoulder pain. More effective management of this problem will facilitate the patient's ability to reach his or her maximum functional potential.

55 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A tridirectional survey is implemented to begin the standardization process for grasp and pinch terminology and protocols for testing and to improve the communication between rehabilitation professionals who assess hand strength.
Abstract: We implemented a tridirectional survey to begin the standardization process for grasp and pinch terminology and protocols for testing and to improve the communication between rehabilitation professionals who assess hand strength. We surveyed the literature, occupational therapy clinics across the country, and occupational therapy educational programs. Our results reveal the current use, teachings, and recommendations of pinch and grasp strength measurement. The results confirm that the standardization of grasp and pinch terminology and protocols for testing are vitally needed. Specific recommendations to continue this standardization process are recommended.

54 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A significantly higher level of interpersonal communication skills was attained by the activity group compared with the verbal group in an occupational therapy clinic during the treatment of interpersonal Communication deficits at a psychiatric day treatment center.
Abstract: This study compares the efficacy of a verbal group with that of an activity group in an occupational therapy clinic during the treatment of interpersonal communication deficits at a psychiatric day treatment center. Outpatients were randomly assigned to the following groups: an experimental group, which received activity therapy (n = 7), an experimental group, which received verbal therapy (n = 6), and a control group, which was involved exclusively in the normal milieu therapy at the center (n = 6). The two experimental groups received one hour of treatment per week for eight weeks. The pretesting and posttesting of interpersonal communication skills were done with the Interpersonal Communication Inventory. The activity group used collages, problem-solving tasks, role-playing sessions, games, and drawing exercises. The verbal group used discussion exclusively. Both the activity and verbal groups were based on whether participants had the following: an adequate self-concept, the ability to be a good listener, the skill of expressing his or her thoughts and ideas clearly, the ability to cope with his or her emotions (particularly with angry feelings) and express them in a constructive way, and a willingness to disclose him- or herself to others freely and truthfully. A significantly higher level of interpersonal communication skills was attained by the activity group. Comparisons between both groups and the control group showed no significant differences.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper presents the event approach to motor skill acquisition as a theoretical treatment of the learning and relearning of motor skills; the emphasis is toward rehabilitation of physical dysfunction.
Abstract: This paper presents the event approach to motor skill acquisition as a theoretical treatment of the learning and relearning of motor skills; the emphasis is toward rehabilitation of physical dysfunction. Purposeful activity is viewed as a necessary prerequisite for the formation of coordinative structures, which are the bases for skilled movement. Traditional approaches to motor learning, which focus primarily on the actor, are seen as inadequate to accurately describe motor skill acquisition. The event approach treats the actor and the environment as inseparable in the acquisition of skills. Using this approach, I hope to establish a common ground and collaborative relationships between the disciplines of occupational therapy and motor learning.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper demonstrates the advantages of a pluralistic professional identity by describing two approaches to that process: monistic and pluralistic.
Abstract: Occupational therapists have long been concerned with the process of articulating their identity. This paper describes in detail two approaches to that process: monistic and pluralistic. It demonstrates the advantages of a pluralistic professional identity.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The activity-oriented approach outlined here stresses that patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia must maintain responsibility for their own food intake throughout treatment and the key role of the occupational therapist in the treatment team is outlined.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing trend away from a dogmatic adherence to any one approach in the treatment of eating disorders. This paper adds the new element of practice in relation to cognitive change. The activity-oriented approach outlined here stresses that patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia must maintain responsibility for their own food intake throughout treatment. The key role of the occupational therapist in the treatment team is outlined, and suggestions for assessment and management of this type of patient are given.

Journal ArticleDOI
L E Arnold, D L Clark, L A Sachs, S Jakim, C Smithies 
TL;DR: In this article, 30 primary school children who met the criteria for having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity were enrolled in a split-sample Latin square crossover study and compared the effects of just vestibular stimulation and of just visual stimulation.
Abstract: Previously published studies report an improvement in hyperactivity following exposure to vestibular semicircular canal stimulation under eyes-open, lights-on conditions (conditions that provide visual feedback). To separate the effectiveness of vestibular stimulation from that of visual stimulation, 30 primary school children who met the criteria for having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity were enrolled in a split-sample Latin square crossover study. The effects of just vestibular stimulation and of just visual stimulation were compared with the effect of combined vestibular and visual stimulation. Behavior ratings showed significant improvement at the end of the last treatment and at follow-up one year later; this is not easily explained by statistical regression, history, or the placebo effect. The most improvement was with solitary vestibular stimulation, which showed large effect sizes; however, differences from the other two conditions failed to reach significance at traditional p levels.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The importance of the remaining list of 47 descriptors for subsequent research is discussed and appropriate clinical use of those descriptors is delineated.
Abstract: A comprehensive list of descriptors of behaviors associated with tactile defensiveness in elementary schoolchildren was compiled as a preliminary to subsequent psychometric measurement of tactile defensiveness. This, the first phase of scale development, was accomplished in the following manner. The construct tactile defensiveness was defined, and a variety of behaviors related to the domain of the construct were collected. The list of behaviors was submitted to an expert for review. Descriptors of statements a child might make based on the behaviors were generated. Then, the list of descriptors was edited, and the remaining descriptors were rated by a panel of experts according to the degree to which the descriptor was associated with tactile defensiveness. Logical and computer analyses of the descriptors' ratings were performed. Of the 73 descriptors specified, two were dropped because of cultural bias and 24 were dropped because they were not rated by the experts as being associated with tactile defensiveness. This paper discusses the importance of the remaining list of 47 descriptors for subsequent research and delineates appropriate clinical use of those descriptors.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is established that 60% of occupational therapists in all areas of practice lead groups in treatment and there was a significantly greater number of activity groups than verbal groups.
Abstract: This paper documents the extent to which occupational therapists use groups in practice. A questionnaire was mailed to 300 occupational therapists nationwide. Questions included the types of groups occupational therapists lead, the facilities in which the groups take place, the patients included, the activities presented, and individual and groups goals. Results were tabulated based on the responses of 120 therapists. We established that 60% of occupational therapists in all areas of practice lead groups in treatment. Of the 209 groups described by the respondents, there was a significantly greater number of activity groups than verbal groups. Also, there were significantly more groups with ten or less members than groups of more than ten. This paper describes the ten categories of groups that were identified in this study.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This historical review traces the con­ cept of work throughout the develop­ ment of occupational therapy and reveals the importance of work as a concept in daily practice and serves to remind therapists of their responsi bility in addressing this area of human occupation.
Abstract: This historical review traces the con­ cept of work throughout the develop­ ment of occupational therapy. Para­ digm shifting is used as a framework for describing the conceptual defini­ tions and therapeutic uses of work in four developmental stages. T he concept of work is funda­ mental to our profession; the terms occupation and therapy con­ note the strong relationship be­ tween healing and work. Through­ out our profession's struggle to es­ tablish its credibility in the health care field, the therapeutic use of work has remained a central tenet. It is derived from two basic as­ sumptions-the human need for mastery and self-actualization, and the occupational nature of the in­ dividual. Although the meaning of work has changed as the profession has developed, work has always been acknowledged as one concept that distinguishes occupational therapy from other health disci­ plines. However, our profession has not always translated its con­ ceptual and philosophical impor­ tance into clinical practice. This paper is a historical review of the concept of work and its use as a therapeutic medium in occu­ pational therapy. In his 1981 Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture (a scholarly historical review of the profession), Bing (1) stated that the history of occupational therapy is the most neglected aspect of the profession. This paper, by review­ ing the past, reveals the importance of work as a concept in daily prac­ tice and serves to remind therapists of their responsi bility in addressing this area of human occupation. The majority of information for this historical review is drawn from The American Journal of Occupa­ tional Therapy. Particularly with re­ gard to the early years of the profession, I relied heavily on the works of acknowledged historians, such as Hopkins (2) and Bing (1), who have produced scholarly com­ ments on the development of the profession. I chose these secondary sources because of their excellence and because of the practical diffi­ culty in obtaining original sources. The theory of paradigm shifting, as applied to occupational therapy by Shannon (3) and Kielhofner and Burke (4), is used as a framework for the historical review. The con­ cept of paradigm developed by Kuhn (5) sought to clarify shifts in scientific thought. Its applicability to professions is a contentious is­ sue, but as Kielhofner and Burke


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A six-test assessment battery developed for this study, which was based on the model of human occupation, found organizational status to be the more significant index of adaptive level of functioning.
Abstract: This study focused on the relative utility of the model of human occupation for occupational therapy assessment of persons having mental disorders. The organizational status of the human system and its relationship to adaptive level of functioning and degree of symptomatology were examined in a sample of 30 adult psychiatric patients. We used a six-test assessment battery developed for this study, which was based on the model of human occupation, to measure the organizational status of the following components of the human system: locus of control, goals, temporal orientation, interests, roles, and skills. Subtests of the American Association on Mental Deficiency (AAMD) Adoptive Behavior Scale and the Modified Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale were used to measure adaptive level functioning and symptomatology, respectively. When we compared organizational status with psychiatric diagnosis and symptomatology, we found organizational status to be the more significant index of adaptive level of functioning.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The role of occupational therapists in the independent living stage of the rehabilitation process can be similar in some respects to their role during earlier phases of medical rehabilitation as discussed by the authors, however, the definition of independence as a "mind process" leads to considerable expansion of the therapist's role beyond the focus on physical skills, which are usually key priorities during medical rehabilitation.
Abstract: During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new concept related to rehabilitation and improvements in quality of life began to emerge and be expressed by people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. This concept, independent living, is the foundation of the independent living movement, which has helped to overcome the barriers to a higher quality of life for disabled people. Of the many organizations and programs set up to provide support for disabled people living in the community, the independent living program seems to be comparatively successful at facilitating independence by people with spinal cord injuries. Independent living programs provide the kind of community-based support services necessary to expand the range of living options for disabled people beyond those traditionally available in most communities. The role of occupational therapists in the independent living stage of the rehabilitation process can be similar in some respects to their role during earlier phases of medical rehabilitation. However, the definition of independence as a "mind process" leads to considerable expansion of the therapist's role beyond the focus on physical skills, which are usually key priorities during medical rehabilitation. Occupational therapists typically possess knowledge and skills that equip them well for assisting clients in the independent living stage of the rehabilitation process.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the results provides strong evidence supporting the conclusion that correlation analysis is inappropriate for this investigation; thus, it would be incorrect to assume that there is little or no relationship between occupational therapy academic course work and fieldwork performance.
Abstract: The literature examining the relationship between occupational therapy academic course work and fieldwork performance was reviewed. Responding to a recent suggestion calling for a reexamination of this relationship with a sample of significantly larger size, we initiated the present study. The results are similar to earlier studies, with little or no correlation found in most analyses. Further investigation of the results provides strong evidence supporting the conclusion that correlation analysis is inappropriate for this investigation; thus, it would be incorrect to assume that there is little or no relationship between occupational therapy academic course work and fieldwork performance. Suggestions of ways to study the relationship between course work and fieldwork are presented.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results led us to conclude that the time allocation patterns used may have been conducive to "burnout" and to facilitate professional growth, it is recommended that priorities be set and followed and also that role definitions be adhered to more strictly.
Abstract: This study analyzes the time allocation patterns at work of a sample group of Israeli occupational therapists who function in different roles and specialty areas. The sample consisted of 89 female occupational therapists working in the areas of physical impairment, rehabilitation, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Subjects recorded all of their activities during one work week and rated 23 previously identified occupational therapy activities according to perceived levels of importance. The results indicated that, on the whole, occupational therapists in all areas devoted at least two-thirds of their time to treatment-related activities (direct and indirect treatment). The results led us to conclude that the time allocation patterns used may have been conducive to "burnout." Therefore, to facilitate professional growth, we recommend that priorities be set and followed and also that role definitions be adhered to more strictly.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper restates the main age-acquired visual defects, critically examines the literature on the use of environmental color, and proposes a model which incorporates the factors that enhance visual clarity and Johannes Itten's rules of color contrast.
Abstract: Much has been written on the use of color as a functional facilitator in the environment of the elderly, but little information is available on how to implement it. This paper a) restates the main age-acquired visual defects, b) critically examines the literature on the use of environmental color, and then c) proposes a model which incorporates the factors that enhance visual clarity and Johannes Itten's rules of color contrast. Implicit in the application of color to enhance vision is a clear understanding of the main functional purpose of the area to be heightened.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results of this study support the theory that graduate education of a specific kind and quality enhances the professionalization of occupational therapy more so than does undergraduate education.
Abstract: This article presents an account of the evolutionary changes in occupational therapy graduate education at the University of Southern California (USC) in response to the increasing professional demands and the expanding knowledge base of the field. The contention that undergraduate and graduate education represented by these changes would result in different student products was tested. A questionnaire survey was used to assess the responses of 189 former undergraduate and graduate occupational therapy students of USC on issues relating to professionalism, leadership, attitudes, and scholarly contributions. Results of this study support the theory that graduate education of a specific kind and quality enhances the professionalization of occupational therapy more so than does undergraduate education.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the role of the occupational therapist as a work evaluator who provides services to injured workers is described. But, the role is not defined as a job evaluation, rather, it is defined as the development of work readiness and physical capacities necessary for working productively.
Abstract: This paper presents the role of the occupational therapist as that of a work evaluator who provides services to injured workers. Therapists, by virtue of their professional knowledge, have a frame of reference for work evaluation and understand the factors that interrupt the work process. In work evaluation, the therapist assists the injured worker to develop work readiness and the physical capacities necessary for working productively. This development takes place in a therapeutic milieu where the "worker" role is regained. The role of the occupational therapist-work evaluator includes work-oriented treatment in the acute care setting, job analysis, work tolerance screening, work capacity evaluation, work hardening, and job market reentry management in the work evaluation and community settings.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Comparing technical- and professional-level students from four occupational therapy educational programs in Illinois indicates that registered occupational therapy and certified occupational therapy assistant students come from different backgrounds.
Abstract: This study used data from self-administered questionnaires to compare technical- and professional-level students from four occupational therapy educational programs in Illinois. Examination of the similarities and differences in biographic characteristics indicate that registered occupational therapy and certified occupational therapy assistant students come from different backgrounds. The reasons why students chose their levels of education, and the amount and character of contact with occupational therapy that they had prior to entering the program provide useful information for counselors, recruiters, and designers of informational materials. The students' intended roles, desired career goals, and work values furnish suggestions for curriculum developers.