For this assignment, I read an article called "Meaning of Occupation-Based Groups for Low-Income Urban Youths Attending After-School Care." Outcomes of this study were to describe the meaning of occupational therapy groups focusing specifically on occupational engagement, group process, and
social-emotional learning specifically looking at low income youth attending after school care. The purpose of this study was to look at the population of youth in low income areas to promote finding pleasure in the "right things to do", structured leisure participation. The group administers made sure that the group was fun in engaging leisure activities within a supportive social context. The youth participating valued being able to have a choice for the different leisure activities within the group setting. Providing client-centered occupations gave the youth choice and creativity resulting in engagement and motivation from the participants. Finding leisure activities that interests youth and children promotes participation and engagement among group members. Because this was a group centered around support, the participants valued expression of feelings as well as coping strategies for anger emotions.
I think this article was informative because it backs up the foundation of OT saying that being client-centered results in better occupational performance. Because this was a phenomenological qualitative study, the results looked at interview and observations to find themes within the research. I think this is important to be able to identify client's emotions and experience toward the occupational therapy group intervention geared toward age appropriate leisure activities. In conclusion, when children were offered fun and engaging occupations, occupational balance was facilitated. I think this is important to take with me into practice to always keep in mind that interventions should be based on the client's wants and needs to promote motivation and occupational performance throughout treatment.
Bazyk, S., & Bazyk, J. (2009). Meaning of occupation-based groups for low-income urban youths attending after-school care. American Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 63(1), 69-80.
