Date Presented 04/03/2025
U.K. research explored forensic mental health OT and service user experiences of sensory processing and occupational participation. The incorporation of sensory processing information in occupation-focused practice is recommended.
Primary Author and Speaker: Elana Moore
Additional Authors and Speakers: Rosi Raine
Contributing Authors: Alison Warren, Karen Beaulieu
PURPOSE: The phenomenon of sensory processing is an everyday experience which occurs in all environments and influences occupational participation (Dunn, 2001; Williams, 2017). This dynamic and transactional phenomenon is core to occupation-focused practice yet is seldom recognised in forensic settings.
DESIGN AND METHOD: This PhD research aimed to explore the phenomenon of sensory processing and its influence on occupational participation. Following a Scoping Review, the research method used an experiential qualitative approach, first to explore UK based forensic mental health occupational therapists practice-based experiences (Study One), and then the lived experiences of consumers of these services (Study Two). Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore sensory processing and occupational participation, using semi-structured interviews which were reflexively thematically analysed. A hermeneutic circle was also used to construct meaning to generate occupation-focused recommendations for practice.
RESULTS: The combined results of the Scoping Review, Study One and Study Two generated the following results: Adapting activity and environment is important in these restricted settings; Rules prevail but opportunities for choice and control are possible; Complex and multi-factorial environments need to be addressed with awareness of Transactionalism (Cutchin & Dickie, 2012); Kindness matters and needs to underpin service delivery.
CONCLUSION: This research generated new knowledge regarding the experiences of sensory processing and occupational participation in a forensic mental health setting.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The research-based practical recommendations demonstrate the utility of incorporating sensory processing information in occupation-focused practice, as well as highlighting the importance of occupational therapists addressing the transactional nature of occupational therapy.
References
Dunn, W. (2001) The sensations of everyday life: Empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations, 2001 Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55 pp. 608–620.
Williams, K. L. (2017) Understanding the role of sensory processing in occupation: An updated discourse with cognitive neuroscience. Journal of Occupational Science, 24(3), pp. 302–313.
Cutchin, M., & Dickie, V. (2012). Transactionalism: Occupational science and the pragmatic attitude. In G. Whiteford & C. Hocking (Eds.), Occupational science: Society, inclusion, participation (pp. 23–37). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
