Abstract
This research project explores the experience of occupational injustice (OI) among children in institutionalized care. It delves into implementation of occupation-centered care in institutionalized settings as a means to mitigate the effects of OI.
Primary Author and Speaker: Lindsey Warren
This qualitative study investigated the experience of occupational injustice for children living in institutionalized care in the United States. There is evidence that a positive relationship exists between access to meaningful occupations and overall health and well-being, yet children living in institutionalized care often experience loss or restricted access to meaningful occupations (AOTA, 2020; Gallagher et al. 2015; Ikiugu et al. 2019) Nine participants between the ages of 10-18 years of age engaged in semi-structured interviews about their lived experience living in institutionalized care. All nine participants that took part in the study identified experiences of occupational injustice while living in institutionalized care. The first theme that arose in this study was occupational injustice, with sub-themes; loss of access and choice in activities, loss or restriction of social participation and activities, and loss of access to the community outside of the facility. Another theme that arose was reports of high rates of passive and sedentary leisure activities while living in institutionalized care. To combat occupational injustice in institutionalized settings, occupational therapists must consider their role in supporting occupational justice through education, occupation-centered care, program development, and advocacy. Research has shown that occupational therapists that have occupation-centered practices can combat occupational injustice, particularly in institutionalized settings (Whiteford et al., 2020). Occupational therapists must consider their role as occupation promoters, especially in institutionalized settings because too often the emphasis is on symptom and risk reduction which leads to restrictions or loss of access to engage in different meaningful occupations.
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