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1 – 10 of over 12000Letitia Hadden, Aisling O’Riordan and Jeanne Jackson
Equality of rights for individuals who identify as being lesbian or gay (LG) have emerged over recent years, and significant advancements have been made in recognition and support…
Abstract
Purpose
Equality of rights for individuals who identify as being lesbian or gay (LG) have emerged over recent years, and significant advancements have been made in recognition and support of LG rights in Ireland. Given the recent change in legal rights for the LG population, Civil Partnership 2010 and Marriage Equality 2015, this paper aims to explore the lived experience of daily occupations of LG adult’s in Ireland today, by applying an occupational justice lens.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative phenomenological research study, examined the concept of occupational justice as experienced by eight adults, who identified as being LG. Data was collected through face to face, semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Four themes capturing the complexity of each participant’s experience of daily occupations and occupational justice emerged, namely, transitions and personal journeys, celebrating differences, empowerment through occupation and inner conflict. Findings demonstrate how occupational justice is experienced as a complex, contextually embedded and dynamic process specific to each individual.
Originality/value
Future research in this area should aim to explore the experiences of both a younger and older LG population, along with those who identify as bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex to continue to raise awareness of the potential for occupational injustice within this minority population.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the work–family interface on organizational commitment with the mediating role of occupational stress and organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the work–family interface on organizational commitment with the mediating role of occupational stress and organizational justice in Vietnamese state sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical research is completed with a sample of 294 local respondents. Linear regression analysis is used to test hypotheses.
Findings
The findings of this paper indicate that work–family interfaces partially affect organizational commitment and occupational stress. Also, occupational stress partly plays a mediating role in the relationship between work–family interfaces and organizational commitment. This paper opens the scope of work–family interfaces in an emerging country (Vietnam).
Practical Implications
The results of this paper provide two practical implications for public Vietnamese organizations and leaders. First, superiors and administrators must establish policies for employees to decrease the adverse effects of work–family conflict. Second, supervisors and administrations at local public organizations should distribute additional training to help employees understand the detrimental impact of work–family conflict and occupational stress and how to solve them.
Originality/value
This paper strengthens the work–family theory by integrating the relationship between work–family interfaces, organizational justice, occupational stress and organizational commitment. As none of the prior literature has studied the relationship among four factors in Vietnam, the results are expected to fulfil this gap.
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Si Hyun Kim, Giacomo Laffranchini, Maria Fernanda Wagstaff and Wonho Jeung
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between congruence between employee and employer psychological contract fulfillment and commitment. The authors further…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between congruence between employee and employer psychological contract fulfillment and commitment. The authors further studied how the relationship is moderated by distributive justice.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted polynomial regression analyses with response surface methodology on two Korean samples.
Findings
Congruence between employee and employer psychological contract fulfillment was positively related to affective commitment and occupational commitment. Distributive justice moderated these relationships.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation was common method bias as a result of the cross-sectional nature of the study designs.
Practical implications
Employers must be vigilant not only with regard to fulfilling employees’ psychological contracts but also to doing this fairly.
Originality/value
The authors studied the interaction effect of distributive justice on the relationship between psychological contract congruence and commitment in Korea.
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Gareth James Brennan and MaryBeth Gallagher
Occupational choice describes the process that leads to occupational engagement as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic influences. There has been a considerable amount of research…
Abstract
Purpose
Occupational choice describes the process that leads to occupational engagement as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic influences. There has been a considerable amount of research concerning occupational choice, gender and adolescence. However, this has largely focused on the areas of career choice and engagement in risky health behaviours. This paper aims to expand on the literature by providing a broader scope of occupation more aligned with the concept associated with occupational science. Furthering this, the researcher aims to examine the influence of gender as an extrinsic influence on occupational choice. The researcher aims to explore how contextual influences inform gendered occupational choice.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory qualitative approach was used in the current study. Incorporating photographs as a means of elucidating conversation during the interview process, photo-elicitation interview techniques were used as part of the data collection. This involved using a collection of photographs to prompt participants to discuss their interpretations of various occupations. Six adolescent boys and girls aged 11-14 years participated in the study. Participants were recruited from mixed-gendered sports clubs in the West of Ireland. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. An occupational justice perspective was used to interpret the data.
Findings
Responses suggest that gender informs occupational choice through different mechanisms. These included social systems, physical and institutional opportunities as well as expectations participants held of themselves and others they considered to be within their social grouping. Social systems included groups such as friends and family. The ease of access to physical and institutional resources was another factor that informed choice. Participants projected views of expectations they perceived others held for them informed how the participants made their choices. These factors varied across gender. Despite opportunities being available to both sexes, choices were often restricted to particular occupations.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that factors informing the occupational choices of adolescents included a combination of intrinsic factors such as gender and perspectives, as well as external factors including peers, family and opportunities in the local community. Practical applications of this involve acknowledging and further understanding the contextually situated nature of choice to provide more equitable practice. The results of the study may provide more insight into the factors that enable and inhibit occupation. A further understanding of these influences can redirect how we view adolescent occupations in a way that promotes health.
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Anna Joy Stickley and Kelly J. Hall
Occupational therapists are increasingly working in organisations outside of the public sector. UK government policy over the past decade has promoted health and social care…
Abstract
Purpose
Occupational therapists are increasingly working in organisations outside of the public sector. UK government policy over the past decade has promoted health and social care provision by social enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to examine the compatibility of occupational therapy practice and a social enterprise environment, within the UK and questions if this approach may enhance experiences of social inclusion for people who use these services.
Design/methodology/approach
Case study methodology was used with eight social enterprises in the UK. Data were collected through: semi-structured interviews, formal organisational documents, and field visits and observations. Interviews were conducted with 26 participants who were occupational therapists, service users and social entrepreneurs/managers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Occupational therapists experienced job satisfaction, professional autonomy and were able to practise according to their professional philosophy. Service users valued support with: employment, routine, social relationships, and developing a sense of identity, particularly outside of a medical model definition. To a degree therefore, people using these services claimed socially inclusive benefits. Challenges with funding social enterprises, however, impacted occupational therapy delivery in some cases.
Research limitations/implications
The majority of social enterprise research is drawn from case study methodology; however, this was the most appropriate research design to gain greatest insight into a small but developing phenomenon. Further research into occupational therapy practice within social enterprises is required, particularly on the effectiveness of returning to work and social inclusion.
Social implications
Social enterprises can provide therapeutic environments to promote recovery and social inclusion which is also compatible with occupational therapy practice.
Originality/value
This is the first known national research into occupational therapy provision in social enterprises within the UK, which evidences a compatibility within occupational therapy practice within a social enterprise environment and the benefits of this.
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Ruth Usher and Tadhg Stapleton
In Ireland, the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a statutory framework to adults who are experiencing difficulties with decision-making. This legislation has…
Abstract
Purpose
In Ireland, the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a statutory framework to adults who are experiencing difficulties with decision-making. This legislation has significant implications for all who work in health and social care. Increasing age and life expectancy, alongside the rising incidence of chronic health conditions and dementia-related diseases, indicates that more individuals are likely to experience challenges regarding decision-making capacity. Therefore, the need for more consistent, best-practice processes to assess decision-making capacity is likely to increase. To ensure occupational therapists are responsible in their contributions, and to ensure those with disabilities are supported, clinicians must be well-informed of the principles underscoring the Act. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of this multidisciplinary issue, including recent legislation, and consider how occupational therapy can contribute.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed current literature and considered occupational therapy’s role in decision-making capacity assessment.
Findings
Occupational therapists have potential to play a key role in multi-disciplinary assessments of decision-making capacity for clients. Further research is required to explore professional issues, identify clinical best practices and determine training and resource needs.
Originality/value
This paper seeks to provoke consideration of how occupational therapists can contribute to capacity assessment from a client-centred, occupation-based perspective that is mindful of ethical and legislative considerations.
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Shóna O’Donnell, Aishling O’Reilly, Katie Robinson, Eimer Ní Riain and Judith Pettigrew
Higher levels of participation in school are linked to greater academic performance, better health and well-being and positive long-term outcomes for young people. Evidence shows…
Abstract
Purpose
Higher levels of participation in school are linked to greater academic performance, better health and well-being and positive long-term outcomes for young people. Evidence shows that for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), participation in school-based occupations is often restricted in comparison to their peers. Given the recent advancements towards introducing a new model of school-based occupational therapy in Ireland, this paper aims to discuss how occupational therapy can support students with EBD to increase their participation within the post-primary school context. The opinions in this paper are derived from the authors’ experience in the development of this practice in the Republic of Ireland.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed current literature and reflected on current practice to describe the unique role of occupational therapy in supporting students with EBD in the school environment.
Findings
Occupational therapists have potential to play a key role in school-based support for students with EBD. The authors describe how occupational therapists can promote whole school understanding of EBD and enable skill development, self-regulation, participation and school belonging, among youths with EBD. There is a significant lack of literature guiding practice in this area. Further research is required to explore professional issues and identify best practice.
Originality/value
This paper aims to provoke consideration of how school-based occupational therapists can play a crucial role in supporting students with EBD who are otherwise at risk of occupational injustice.
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Rehabilitation facilities available for persons with intellectual disabilities are low in India. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate an action research programme undertaken…
Abstract
Purpose
Rehabilitation facilities available for persons with intellectual disabilities are low in India. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate an action research programme undertaken in Thrissur district, Kerala, India, to provide institution-based vocational training to selected beneficiaries of BUDS rehabilitation institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 40 students were selected for the training programme. Different vocational activities were included according to criteria such as the abilities of students, sustainability and therapeutic value.
Findings
The results of data analysis showed that fraternity, engagement and collectivism were the themes that emerged from the conversations with students, teachers and parents. Some students showed marked improvements in various areas of functioning.
Research limitations/implications
Larger replication studies could provide more evidence for wider implementation.
Practical implications
There is a possibility of scaling up the model at the state or national level.
Social implications
This model could be adopted for providing better services to persons with intellectual disabilities in similar low- and middle-income settings.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first known attempt at examining the utility of vocational activity training as therapeutic intervention for persons with intellectual disabilities in India.
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Rebecca Lassell, Beth Fields, Jennifer E. Cross and Wendy Wood
This case study aims to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia through examining family members’ (care partners) reported…
Abstract
Purpose
This case study aims to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia through examining family members’ (care partners) reported outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Using convenience sampling, persons living with dementia and their care partners were recruited in Northern Colorado; after meeting inclusion criteria, they were invited to participate in the adaptive riding program. The program occurred for weekly, hour-long sessions for eight weeks. Field notes were collected during each session, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five care partners after the program and analyzed by using theoretical thematic analysis.
Findings
Care partners found the adaptive riding program appropriate. Reported outcomes comprised three themes: well-being, meaning through social connections and function in daily life and aligned with the positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment (PERMA) theory of well-being.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia and their care partners who broadened understandings of the emotional, social and physical benefits. Findings support the inclusion of care partners in adaptive riding and may inform health-care providers’ recommendations for such programs.
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Yuning Wu, Ivan Sun, Tzu-Ying Lo and Jianhong Liu
This paper comparatively assesses the connections between individual demographic traits, occupational characteristics, and organizational factors and officers' attitudes toward…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper comparatively assesses the connections between individual demographic traits, occupational characteristics, and organizational factors and officers' attitudes toward important groups in China and Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data used in this study were collected from 722 police officers from mainland China and 531 officers from Taiwan. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the correlates of police attitudes toward peers, supervisors, and citizens.
Findings
The Chinese and Taiwanese officers do not differ in their trust in peers, but the Chinese officers hold significantly more positive views on the trustworthiness of supervisors and citizens compared to the Taiwanese officers. Supervisor justice and organizational identification are significant predictors of officers' attitudes toward all three groups in both countries.
Research limitations/implications
A major limitation revolves around the inability to test and explain exactly why findings from the two groups vary in their ways. Future research should include specific social, political, and cultural predictors.
Originality/value
This study represents one of the few studies that compare police attitudes toward important groups of peers, supervisors, and citizens across nations/cultures.
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