Occupation as a Means and an End

Question 1

Describe occupation as a mean

Answer 1

• Use of meaningful occupation*
• Occupation as a treatment to improve person’s impaired capability, ability, body functions
• Occupation creates change
• Therapeutic when occupation has meaning
• Occupation must be within client capacity, but also enough of a challenge to be “just right”
• With practice, performance improves

Question 2

Describe occupation as an end

Answer 2

• Learn and complete entire occupation*
• Occupation is functional goal to be learned
• Occupation needs to be purposeful and meaningful
• Implemented by direct teaching
• Provide whatever adaptations necessary to enable performance

Question 3

Definition of occupation as a means

Answer 3

OT analyses chosen occupation to determine that its demands are slightly more challenging than what person can produce.

Question 4

Definition of occupation as an end

Answer 4

OT must understand the steps/demands of occupation to teach and provide adaptations where necessary