American Journal of Occupational Therapy最新文献

{"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":"Amplifying Silenced Voices: A Critical Reflection on Challenges Facing Occupational Therapy Academics With Multiple Minoritized Identities.","authors":"Natasha Smet, Jeffrey John Andrion","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050912","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050912","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The issues faced by racialized; female; immigrant; and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/agender + (2SLGBTQIA+) occupational therapy academics and practitioners highlight the overlapping systems of oppression due to their multiple minoritized identities (MMIs). Through critical reflection, the authors bring to light how oppressive occupational therapy structures and processes continue to sustain Othering within the profession, including the paradox of occupational justice. The authors caution that ignoring issues faced by occupational therapy academics with MMIs might end in tragic intersectionality. Positionality Statement: Natasha Smet identifies as an immigrant queer woman of color, scholar, and practitioner who was born and raised in South Africa during the Apartheid era when laws were enforced to segregate people solely on the basis of race. Although Apartheid ended in 1994, her experiential knowledge of systemic racism, overt discrimination, and oppression continued as a survivor of educational and academic workplace violence and abuse in the United States. Her lived experience of oppression continues to be her catalyst to disrupt white supremacy across academic institutional settings. Jeffrey John Andrion is a racialized, straight, cisgender, immigrant male academic who was born and raised in the Philippines. Although he is an immigrant settler of Canada, he is also a descendant of former colonizees in his native home country. With experiential knowledge of racialization and Othering, he grew up with the terms resistance and oppression. In this column, we define Othering as \"the process whereby an individual or groups of people attribute negative characteristics to other individuals or groups of people that set them apart as representing that which is opposite to them\" (Rohleder, 2014, p. 1306).</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":"143417112","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":"The Outreach Experiences of Occupational Therapy Students: An Opportunity for Transformation.","authors":"Ricardo D Ramirez, Laura VanPuymbrouck","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050904","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050904","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Occupational therapy lacks workforce diversity. Academic programs (APs) are uniquely positioned to create learning experiences that align with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within occupational therapy.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the acceptability of a student-led outreach program from the perspectives of occupational therapy students.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative, cross-sectional study that used occupational therapy students' reflections as part of routine educational assessments. Thematic analysis was used to identify and define themes within reflections. Reflexivity and prolonged engagement in the field enhanced trustworthiness.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Urban, Midwestern OTD program.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Sixty-eight occupational therapy students enrolled in their second semester.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Occupational therapy student-led outreach presentations in middle and high schools in which most students had Black, Indigenous, or People of Color backgrounds. Presentations lasted 45 to 60 min.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>After their presentations, occupational therapy students completed an open-ended reflection on their outreach experience of at least 250 words.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were primarily women (n = 63; 92.65%) and White (n = 50; 73.53%). Three themes emerged in the analysis of students' reflections: knowledge translation, opportunity versus assignment, and practical insights.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Occupational therapy APs are positioned to craft learning opportunities that can meet accreditation requirements, benefit students' professional development, and contribute to DEI efforts. To make these efforts sustainable, occupational therapy APs must cultivate meaningful relationships with local and diverse community partners while also evaluating opportunities to integrate DEI into their own curricula. Additional research is needed to examine the long-term impact of outreach efforts between occupational therapy students and recipients. Plain-Language Summary: Occupational therapy academic programs are uniquely situated to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the profession. Focusing on racial and ethnic diversity, in this study we sought to capture the perspectives of first-year occupational therapy students who participated in a student-led outreach initiative embedded within their curriculum. We found that occupational therapy students benefited from participating in this educational experience because they were challenged to share their knowledge of occupational therapy with middle and high school students from underrepresented communities. Viewing this experience as an opportunity instead of an assignment, occupational therapy students felt that they contributed to DEI efforts while growing as future practitioners. Occupational therapy","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":"143391866","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":"Development of the Occupational Justice Scale for Refugees and Investigation of Its Psychometric Properties.","authors":"Muhammed Rohat Yazici, Gokcen Akyurek","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050741","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Although occupational justice is an important construct for occupational therapy, the Occupational Justice Scale for Refugees (OJS-R) is, to our knowledge, the first of such scales developed in this field.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To develop an occupational justice scale designed specifically for refugees and to evaluate its psychometric properties.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study was conducted as face-to-face interviews and self-report surveys with refugees. The Davis technique was applied twice to 12 expert panelists, and the test form was administered to 603 individuals. Item analysis was conducted to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale. An exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were also performed to examine the construct validity of the scale.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Four different provinces in Turkey: Istanbul, Ankara, Elazig, and Bingöl.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Data from 603 Syrian refugees were included in the analyses.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and measures: </strong>Information from completed informed consent forms, the OJS-R, and the Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11, Turkish version (OBQ11-T).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The OJS-R explained 70.179% of the variance and revealed a five-factor structure (occupational deprivation, alienation, marginalization, apartheid, and imbalance). The scale demonstrated high reliability, with an interclass correlation of .989 and Cronbach's α of .993. Test-retest correlation coefficients were robust, and the correlation between the OJS-R and OBQ11-T were statistically significant (r = .987, p < .001). These results validate the 30-item scale structure consisting of five dimensions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>The OJS-R may be a reliable and valid measure of occupational justice and appropriate for populations such as refugees. Plain-Language Summary: Occupational justice is a critical perspective of social structures that promote social, political, and economic changes to enable individuals to meet their occupational potential and experience well-being. Refugees often experience occupational injustice, even though there is no scale to evaluate occupational justice. This study is a scale development study. We developed the Occupational Justice Scale for Refugees (OJS-R), which, to our knowledge, is the first scale designed specifically to measure the levels of occupational justice experienced by refugees. This study's results may simplify greater consideration and evaluation of occupational justice by occupational therapists. Furthermore, the OJS-R may encourage occupational therapists to include occupational justice in their refugee intervention programs.</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":"143442262","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":"Embracing Multiple Philosophical Orientations in Occupational Therapy to Enhance Cultural Sensitivity.","authors":"Joana Nana Serwaa Akrofi, Tsu-Hsin Howe, Janet Njelesani","doi":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050960","DOIUrl":"10.5014/ajot.2025.050960","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The philosophical foundations of occupational therapy, originating in North America, primarily align with American philosophy, which leads to challenges when occupational therapy is applied in diverse cultural contexts. The occupational therapy profession needs to embrace multiple philosophical orientations to enhance cultural sensitivity. In this column, the authors use postcolonial theory to analyze colonial legacies and power dynamics within communities, highlighting the limitations of current Western-based adaptations in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility. They argue that incorporating diverse philosophical orientations into occupational therapy can enrich the field by fostering adaptability and inclusivity. They also outline steps to integrate multiple philosophical orientations, including acknowledging historical influences and adopting practices that resonate with diverse values. Embracing multiple philosophical orientations signifies the profession's commitment to evolving and responding effectively to the complex needs of individuals and communities, thereby promoting more equitable and just outcomes in occupational therapy practice. Positionality Statement: The authors of this column include a Ghanaian nondisabled occupational therapist who studied and practiced occupational therapy in Ghana, West Africa, and the United States; a White, nondisabled, female Canadian occupational therapy scholar with practice experience across numerous international contexts; and an Asian, nondisabled, female occupational therapy scholar who has occupational therapy practice experience in both Asia and the United States. All three authors currently live and work in the United States. They drew from their personal experiences, knowledge of the profession, research evidence, and critical reasoning to conceptualize this column.</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":"143442267","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}