The development of the Model of Occupational Self Efficacy: An occupational therapy practice model to facilitate returning to work after a brain injury

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the methodology used in order to develop the Model of Occupational Self Efficacy: An occupational therapy practice model to facilitate returning to work after a brain injury.

Participants: Nine males and one female participated in the study.

Methods: Face to face, semi structured individual interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using a qualitative approach to explicate patterns and themes. The study was conducted in two phases, namely, Phase one described the lived experience of individuals with brain injury who had returned to work and Phase two described the development of the model by means of theory generation methodology.

Results: Four themes emerged that reflected the lived experiences for people returning to work after a brain injury. (1) A sense of loss of former self; (2) Uncertainty about the future; (3) The road to acceptance and believing in yourself; and (4) Participation in occupation enables growth. The above themes contributed to the central concept called Occupational Self Efficacy that resulted in the development of the occupational therapy practice model.

Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that theory generation methodology is adequate for the conceptual development of an occupational therapy practice model.