American Journal of Occupational Therapy最新文献

{"title":"Intersectional Stigma and Occupational Engagement Among Racialized Higher Education Students: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Nikhil Tomar, Ryan Gibson, Kathryne Brewer, Nicholas Mian","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050984","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Intersectional stigma of mental illness and race/ethnicity is a persistent determinant of the growing mental health care disparities among students in the United States. It is also the foundation on which concerns of inclusion and belonging are experienced, warranting scholarship on intersectional stigma and occupational engagement.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine intersectional stigma and its relationship with occupational engagement among racialized higher education students.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study used a qualitative descriptive design with interview methodology, and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Transcript checks, peer debriefings, and multiple analysts helped strengthen the rigor of the study. Theoretical frameworks included the principle of gradient rationality to examine stigma and the moral economics of occupations framework to examine occupational engagement.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Higher education institution. Participants Thirteen racialized students with mental illness were recruited via purposive sampling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged: identities and their negotiations, mental health journey, intersectional stigma of mental illness and race/ethnicity, and occupational engagement (mental health care and community participation).</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Findings highlight that intersectional stigma and racial/ethnic identity construction are fluid processes instead of fixed attributes and guide occupational engagement. Future research will help occupational therapy practitioners and leaders in efforts to address the growing public mental health crisis. Plain-Language Summary: This study highlights that concerns related to belonging and inclusion among racialized students with mental illness are experienced through the intersectional stigma of mental illness and race/ethnicity. Understanding intersectional stigma also allows practitioners and scholars to better inform and implement culturally sensitive care within mental health care settings. Positionality Statement: This research was conducted by a team of interdisciplinary multiracial researchers. This research was initiated by Nikhil Tomar, an immigrant scholar of color with a professional background in occupational therapy. The team included researchers from clinical psychology, social work, and sociology. The team included a Black scholar with expertise in race/ethnic identity, a Biracial scholar with expertise in stigma and global mental health, and a White scholar with expertise in children and adolescent mental health. The interdisciplinary nature of this research allowed the authors to challenge conventional wisdom in their respective fields and conduct research in a critical manner. Tomar has expertise in interview methodology and mental health research, which helped him conduct interviews by balancing the needs for participant safety and dat","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143524929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Culturally Adapting an Occupational Therapy Intervention for Black American Autistic Communities.","authors":"Rachel L Dumont, Lady Rios-Vega, Allison Barrett, Taylor T Sivori, Emily Knell, Joshua Njoroge, Levone Cannady, Roseann C Schaaf","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050910","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050910","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based intervention for autistic children, but there is no culturally responsive adaptation to support Black American autistic children and their families.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To culturally adapt an occupational therapy intervention for Black American families.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative study involving focus groups and interviews, using researcher triangulation and member-checking surveys for the trustworthiness of findings.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Zoom focus groups and interviews.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Convenience sampling resulted in 12 participants, including Black American parents and caregivers, cultural experts, and occupational therapy practitioners who provide services to Black American autistic children.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Interviews and focus group discussions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four parents and caregivers, two cultural experts, and six practitioners participated. Five themes emerged regarding barriers and eight for supports in accessing and utilizing occupational therapy services, including cultural humility knowledge and practices by practitioners and strategies for engaging and incorporating families' culture.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>This study demonstrates the process of culturally adapting an occupational therapy intervention according to relevant literature and the insight and expertise of parents and caregivers, cultural experts, and occupational therapy practitioners. Plain-Language Summary: This project identified challenges and supports for Black American families of autistic children regarding access to and engagement in occupational therapy services. We adapted an occupational therapy intervention to address these challenges and to include recommended supports to guide occupational therapy practitioners to be more culturally responsive and collaborative with Black American families of autistic children throughout the therapeutic process. Positionality Statement: The inclusive term Black American is used to engage people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are a part of the Black and African-American community throughout the United States (Rivera-Figueroa et al., 2022). Also, identity-first terminology and the term autistic are used according to autistic adults' preferences for embracing one's identity (Taboas et al., 2023). The research team consisted of female occupational therapists (Rachel Dumont, Roseann Schaaf, Lady Rios-Vega, and Taylor Sivori, who self-identified as White, White, Latina, and White, respectively); female and male occupational therapy students (Allison Barrett, Emily Knell, and Joshua Njoroge, who self-identified as Asian, White, and Black and White, respectively); and a male focus group facilitator (Levone Cannady, who self-identified as Black). The principal investigator (PI) for this study, Rachel Dum","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promoting Culturally Effective Care for Hispanic Families in Occupational Therapy: A Curriculum Pilot Study.","authors":"Tyra M Banks, Chloë Carames-Foley","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050840","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050840","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Occupational therapy students need preparation to provide culturally effective pediatric care that addresses the needs of Hispanic families.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To implement and evaluate a curriculum module aimed at improving occupational therapy students' cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, and cultural skills for working with Hispanic families.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Mixed-methods, pre-post interventional study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>An entry-level occupational therapy master's program.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Convenience sample of 30 occupational therapy master's students.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>A 2-hr cognitive behavioral-based intervention module on culturally effective care for Hispanic families.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Checklist-Revised (CCSACR) administered pre- and postintervention as well as a qualitative questionnaire on self-perceived changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements were found in cultural awareness (p = .013) and cultural skills (p = .038) on the CCSACR. Qualitative data indicated self-perceived improvements in awareness, knowledge, and preparedness for culturally effective practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>A brief educational module can significantly improve occupational therapy students' cultural awareness and skills for working with Hispanic families. Curriculum-based cultural training can help prepare students to provide more equitable care. Plain-Language Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a targeted educational module for improving culturally effective care for occupational therapy students working with Hispanic families. The study found significant improvements in students' cultural awareness and cultural skills. Curriculum-based cultural training can help prepare students to provide more equitable and culturally effective care. Positionality Statement: The authors' perspectives are rooted in their social positions, which shape their approach to this research. They both identify as female; one identifies as Black, and one identifies as Hispanic. The authors' experiences have instilled a deep understanding of the systemic barriers and historical injustices that have shaped health care access and outcomes for marginalized communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143473356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gender-Affirming Care Is Not Standard Care in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Laurel K Stugart, Sophia C Larson, Kim L Lipsey, Grayson Owens, Catherine R Hoyt","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050883","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050883","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>The transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) community faces significant health care disparities, including elevated rates of mental health issues, poverty, and barriers to accessing affirming care. Occupational therapy practitioners are ethically obligated to provide gender-affirming care, yet there are no practice guidelines for such care.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the landscape of gender-affirming care within occupational therapy practice, aiming to identify gaps for future research and guidelines.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>Six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science). Search dates ranged from database inception to September 19, 2023.</p><p><strong>Study selection and data collection: </strong>We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for all methodologies. Studies were included if they described gender-affirming care, included language related to the transgender and gender-diverse community, and mentioned occupational therapy. Studies were excluded if they were not peer-reviewed or did not include an intervention.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 614 studies were identified, and 17 were included. Of the included studies, the majority were qualitative (n = 9) and from the United States or Canada. Published research highlighted clinicians' need for more training in gender-affirming care and suggested diverse modalities to bridge gaps in working with TGD individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>This review underscores the urgent need for targeted research to address TGD individuals' specific needs in occupational therapy practice. Future efforts should focus on developing and evaluating gender-affirming care interventions, expanding training modalities, and promoting inclusive care within occupational therapy. Plain-Language Summary: The transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) community often encounters obstacles in accessing health care, including mental health issues and barriers to affirming care. Occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in providing gender-affirming care, yet there is a lack of clear guidelines for doing so. This study aimed to examine the current state of gender-affirming care in occupational therapy and identify areas for improvement, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and clients. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating gender-affirming care interventions, expanding training modalities, and promoting inclusive care within occupational therapy. Positionality Statement: The authorship team represents one individual who identifies as nonbinary and four who identify as cisgender. Most of the authors identify as White. Three authors identify as LGBTQ+. Two authors have prior experience writing scoping reviews.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143460213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Contributing to Low Academic Performance of First-Generation Students in Occupational Therapy.","authors":"Pola Ham","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050875","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Research on the factors contributing to low academic performance of first-generation students studying occupational therapy is limited, and how these factors affect the students' academic performance is insufficiently described.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore how first-generation students in occupational therapy perceive their academic self-efficacy, academic engagement, and social integration.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Occupational therapy program on the East Coast of the United States.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>The total sample included 18 first-generation students in occupational therapy through purposeful sampling. Eighteen participants completed the survey, and 5 participants participated in the interview.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Measures included a demographic questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy for Learning Form-Abridged, the Survey of Student Engagement, the Social Integration Scale, and semistructured interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants reported a low level of academic self-efficacy, academic engagement, and social integration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>This study fills the gap in research regarding factors contributing to low academic performance of first-generation students in occupational therapy and how the identified barriers of academic self-efficacy, academic engagement, and social integration can be addressed for these students. Plain-Language Summary: This study explored how first-generation occupational therapy students think about their academic performance, engagement, and social integration. Students reported a low level of academic performance, engagement, and social integration. Identifying and understanding the factors that affect the academic performance of first-generation students can improve the support and services provided by occupational therapy programs to first-generation students. Positionality Statement: Positionality is described as the location of the researcher in their research (Milner, 2007). It influences the researcher's assumptions, findings, and interpretations (Banks, 2015). As a first-generation doctoral student, I identify with the unique challenges faced by many first-generation students. As Milner (2007) suggested, it is important to be introspective during research and acknowledge any internal biases to maintain objectivity during the research process. I aimed to be reflexive by taking notes about my thoughts throughout the study to actively reflect on my understanding of how my positionality may affect my data collection and analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143391861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility, and Belonging in Occupational Therapy Practice and Education.","authors":"Khalilah R Johnson, Razan Hamed, Tyra M Banks, Selena Washington","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.051211","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.051211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The occupational therapy profession is well positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing the health and well-being of communities with different lived experiences. The articles included in this special issue on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIJAB) in Occupational Therapy Practice and Education provide a snapshot of research and scholarship aimed at interrogating systems and standards of practice and promote evidence-informed strategies to support the unique concerns of nondominant groups. Specifically, authors take stock of practice trends with these populations; describe processes for developing culturally affirming measures; examine the effectiveness of target-based interventions; and articulate the value of applying DEIJAB principles across practice settings, academic programs, advocacy, and professional leadership. Across all of the articles, scholars call on members of the profession to be critically reflective and actively antiracist and to challenge dominant paradigms to shape the future of practice through education, training, leadership, and community partnership.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143597858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Participation and Quality of Life Among Older Adults: Comparison Study of Ethnic Majority and Minority Groups.","authors":"Haia Khourieh, Haya Fogel-Grinvald, Anat Golos","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050902","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050902","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Participation is a central determinant of older adults' health and quality of life (QoL). Examining participation and QoL among older adults from different ethnic groups through an occupational justice lens is vital in occupational therapy.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare participation (objective and subjective) and QoL among older adults from two ethnic populations (Arab and Jewish) and to examine the relationships between sociodemographics, health-related variables, and participation with QoL in both groups.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional quantitative and comparative.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Community-dwelling older adults in Israel.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>A total of 190 adults ages 65 yr and older (90 Arabs, 100 Jews) who had not been hospitalized in the past month.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>We used a background questionnaire, the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression, the Experiencing Day-to-Day Life Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The minority group reported lower education, poorer health, and lower participation and QoL scores compared with the majority group. Making ends meet, education, health-related variables, and participation were significantly correlated with QoL in both groups, with a higher correlation between subjective participation and QoL in the Arab group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Participation and QoL vary among older adults from different ethnic groups, with sociodemographics and health-related variables interconnected in both groups. The findings support the study hypotheses, highlighting the potential role of social factors on participation and the importance of encouraging subjective participation to enhance QoL, especially among minority groups. Further studies among diverse minority groups are recommended. Plain-Language Summary Participation, or involvement in purposeful and meaningful daily activities, is a central determinant of older adults' health and quality of life. This study examined differences in sociodemographics, health, participation, and quality of life among older adults from ethnic majority versus minority groups. The study emphasizes the potential impact of social aspects on participation and the importance of encouraging subjective participation to improve quality of life, especially among minority groups. Developing and tailoring occupational therapy intervention programs that address inequities through the lens of occupational justice can promote participation in meaningful activities and enhance older adults' quality of life, especially among minority groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143524869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inclusive Practices for Aging in Place: Environmental and Home Modifications for Older Adults.","authors":"Selena E Washington, Emma Edwards, Abby Fink, Lucy Radocha","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050987","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050987","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance: &lt;/strong&gt;As the aging population expands, the need to develop home modification programs that effectively support older adults living in low-income households is increasing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To examine how an interprofessional team implemented the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) at a specific urban site and integrated functional interventions and home modifications to address the safety, accessibility, and functional needs of older adults in low-income households.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design: &lt;/strong&gt;This program evaluation study used descriptive analysis to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics, pre- and postimplementation data, and home modifications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Setting: &lt;/strong&gt;An urban city environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Participants: &lt;/strong&gt;Sixty-five participants completed the program. The average age was 72 yr (SD = 7.3); participants were predominantly women (95.4%), Black or African American (87.7%), and living alone (81.5%).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Intervention: &lt;/strong&gt;Three in-home visits by an occupational therapist, a home modification team, and a social worker.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Outcomes and measures: &lt;/strong&gt;A paired-samples t test was conducted to compare pre- and postimplementation functional scores on the assessments used, and Pearson's r correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between functional measures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The OAHMP implementation led to significant improvements in self-care activities of daily living (ADLs) and home safety; significant positive relationships were found between health status and improved independence in ADLs and instrumental ADLs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions and relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;The OAHMP enhances ADL independence and home safety for older adults in low-income, diverse communities. By addressing environmental barriers through client-centered modifications and interprofessional collaboration, the program supports aging in place. Its cost-effective approach fosters autonomy, occupational engagement, and health equity, highlighting occupational therapy's key role in safe, sustainable community living. Plain-Language Summary: This study evaluated the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP), which aims to help older adults in low-income communities age safely in place by addressing home safety, accessibility, and ADLs. Findings showed that participants experienced increased independence in ADLs and reduced home safety hazards, with 91% of personal goals met or partially met. The average cost of home modifications was significantly lower than national averages, making the program a cost-effective alternative to nursing home placement. The results highlight how tailored home modifications, combined with interprofessional collaboration, can promote ADL independence and safety in the home. This study emphasizes the essential role of occupational therapy in developing equitable, client-centered interventions that address enviro","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143659041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating Barriers and Building Bridges: A Qualitative Exploration of the Leadership Journeys of Black Occupational Therapists.","authors":"Tyra M Banks, Karen Park, Kayla Gibson","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050988","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050988","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance: &lt;/strong&gt;This article illuminates the unique challenges Black occupational therapy practitioners face on their leadership paths. Amplifying minoritized voices and raising awareness of systemic racism serve as catalysts for fostering equity and inclusivity in the occupational therapy profession.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To explore the journey and lived experience of Black occupational therapy practitioners currently holding or who had previously held leadership positions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;An interpretive phenomenological method was used to explore, identify, and analyze the supports and barriers participants encountered while pursuing leadership roles. Participants completed a demographic survey and a 60-min virtual interview. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes, and theory triangulation ensured validity and rigor in the analysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;Five themes emerged: (1) sociocultural context can nurture the potential for leadership, (2) responsibility to build a legacy of representation, (3) micro- and macroaggressions: stereotyped and underestimated, (4) networking as a necessary process, and (5) creating inclusive spaces expands professional identities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions and relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Findings were examined and triangulated through the lens of critical race theory and social network theory, providing valuable context for understanding social structures, power dynamics, and their impact on developing Black occupational therapy practitioner leaders. The data support the importance of networks and the role of institutional racism in perpetuating social inequalities that persist in the leadership journey of Black occupational therapy practitioners. Plain-Language Summary: This manuscript illuminates the unique challenges Black occupational therapy practitioners face in their leadership paths. Researchers used an interpretive phenomenological research design to explore the journeys and lived experiences of seven Black occupational therapy practitioners currently holding or who had previously held leadership positions within the past 5 yr. Five themes emerged: (1) sociocultural context can nurture the potential for leadership, (2) responsibility to build a legacy of representation, (3) micro- and macroaggressions: stereotyped and underestimated, (4) networking as a necessary process, and (5) creating inclusive spaces expands professional identities. The findings were examined and triangulated through the lens of critical race theory and social network theory, providing context for understanding social structures, power dynamics, and the impact of these structures on developing Black occupational therapy practitioner leaders. The data support the importance of networks and the role of institutional racism in maintaining the social inequalities persisting on the leadership journey of Black occupational therapy practitioners. Positionality Statement: Th","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143473355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feel the Burn, Heal the Burn: Job Crafting and Burnout Among Occupational Therapy Professionals.","authors":"Brittany Lynner, Rosalyn Stoa, Gwenith Fisher, Erika Del Pozo, Ryan Lizerbram","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050731","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Burnout is common among occupational therapy professionals and associated with poor health and well-being, absenteeism, turnover, and exit from the profession. This study identified specific job titles, job characteristics, and resources related to burnout.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify specific aspects of occupational therapy jobs related to burnout and to investigate job crafting as one approach for reducing burnout.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional survey.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Four hundred occupational therapy professionals from 45 states across the United States.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>This study investigated the relative importance of job demands (e.g., workload, emotional labor, role ambiguity), job resources (e.g., professional identity, autonomy, perceived support), and burnout and examined job crafting as a strategy for reducing burnout.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Burnout varied across occupational therapy positions and practice areas and was most strongly associated with excessive workload. Occupational therapy professionals who engaged in job crafting reported less burnout. Several positive job resources, including meaningful work, job involvement, and perceived organizational support, were also associated with job crafting.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>This study identified specific occupational therapy roles, settings, and job characteristics related to burnout and job crafting behaviors that may help reduce burnout. Plain-Language Summary: Burnout is common among occupational therapy professionals and is associated with poor health and well-being, absenteeism, turnover, and people leaving the profession. This study identifies occupational therapy positions, practice areas, and work conditions at most risk for burnout and highlights job resources that can prevent and mitigate burnout. The study found that burnout varied across occupational therapy positions and practice areas and was most strongly associated with excessive workload. Recommendations to address burnout include engaging in job crafting, optimizing job demands and resources, and fostering meaningful work to reduce burnout.</p>","PeriodicalId":48317,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Occupational Therapy","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11740873/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142773801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}