Defining spirituality and giving meaning to occupation: the perspective of community-dwelling older adults with autonomy loss.

BACKGROUND

In the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance, meaningful occupation involves interaction between spirituality and environment. However little research exists on the process of giving meaning to occupation.

PURPOSE

This study explored both meaningful occupation and the definition of spirituality from the perspective of community-dwelling older adults with autonomy loss.

METHOD

Using a qualitative approach, grounded theory method of Glaser and Strauss (1967), eight cognitively intact persons were interviewed individually.

RESULTS

The process of giving meaning to occupation involves an intrinsic link between identity and meaningful occupation, with identity being central to the person. Following autonomy loss, a process of adjusting identity, involving social, psychological and spiritual aspects, occurs over time. Spirituality is defined in terms of its close links to religion and belief in a benevolent greater power. IMPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH: This study contributes to the discussion of the concepts of spirituality, identity and meaning in occupational therapy.