ch.2 110 Philosophical Base, Core Values, and Contexts of Occupational Therapy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core philosophy, values, occupation definitions, contexts, and principles of occupational therapy from Chapter 3 (O'Brien & Conners, 2024).

Philosophy

A set of basic principles, concepts, or ideas of an organization, profession, or group.

Humanism

A philosophical base that values the individual person, their values and needs, provides the freedom to make choices, and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Existentialism

A philosophical framework asserting that humans are self-determining beings who are free to think, feel, and act, emphasizing a person's life narrative and life experiences.

Pragmatism

A practical approach asserting that people learn best through applying experiences and hands-on doing in specific situations.

Structuralists

Theories or practitioners that seek to understand how individual parts equal a larger whole by addressing parts that are deficient or impaired to improve overall health and function.

Glen Gillen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA

Occupational therapy leader who described OT as a balance of art, science, and human interaction, emphasizing that repetitive practice of real-life activities can improve motor function and remodel people's brains.

Altruism

Unselfish concern for others through the demonstration of genuine care, dedication, responsiveness, and understanding.

Equality

Treating all people equally with fairness, respecting other's beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences.

Freedom

An individual's right to choice, independence, initiative, and self-direction.

Justice

A core value focused on providing services to those in need, abiding by laws, respecting legal rights, and advocating when access or treatment is unfair.

Dignity

The inherent value and worth of human beings, demonstrated by empathy, listening, protecting privacy, and including clients in decisions about their care.

Truthfulness

Demonstrating behavior that is accountable, honest, accurate, clear in communication, and precise in documentation.

Prudence

The ability to demonstrate sound judgment, care, and discretion, including knowing when to act, slow down, ensure safety, or seek additional information.

Occupation

Everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families, and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life, including things people need to, want to, and are expected to do.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic daily self-care tasks including feeding, dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, and hygiene.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Complex daily life tasks supporting independence, such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, meal prep, budgeting, medication management, pet care, and caring for others.

Health

According to the CDC (2018), the presence of positive emotions, the absence of negative emotions, satisfaction with life, fulfillment, and positive functioning.

Well-being

Satisfaction with participation in occupations and daily activities that enhance Quality of Life (AOTA, 2020c).

Quality of Life (QoL)

A person's subjective perception of satisfaction with their life experience.

Occupational Identity

A person's sense of self built over time through engagement in meaningful occupations, roles, and activities.

Occupation as a Means

The use of a meaningful activity or occupation as part of the therapeutic process to work on and improve underlying abilities and skills.

Occupation as an End

The desired occupational outcome or goal of therapy, where participation in the occupation itself is the reason for treatment.

Client-Centered Care

An approach to practice where occupations and interventions are selected based on what is important to the client, driving participation, rapport, and outcomes.

Occupational Adaptation

The process where individuals modify their performance, patterns of engagement, or methods when abilities or environments change to allow continued participation.

Environmental Context

The physical, social, virtual, and attitudinal surroundings and settings that influence occupational performance and expectations.

Personal Context

Internal factors unique to an individual that define who they are, such as age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, ethnicity, education, habits, social background, and health conditions.

Occupational Justice

A person's right to access fair opportunities to participate in meaningful occupations, requiring practitioners to identify participation barriers and advocate for systemic or environmental change.