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Conceptual model of the purpose of meaningful occupation for people living with dementia developed through qualitative evidence synthesis
Author(s) -
Strick Katherine Elizabeth,
Garside Ruth,
ThompsonCoon Jo,
Abbott Rebecca A
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.038135
Subject(s) - dementia , meaning (existential) , psychology , value (mathematics) , identity (music) , qualitative research , meaningful life , conceptual model , social psychology , conceptual framework , legitimacy , cognitive psychology , sociology , epistemology , medicine , psychotherapist , aesthetics , social science , computer science , philosophy , disease , pathology , machine learning , politics , political science , law
Background Guidance for the provision of care for people with dementia asserts that occupation people find meaningful is essential for wellbeing, however definitions of meaningful occupation are often broad with the intrinsic meaning coming from within the person rather than the activity. As such the purpose of meaningful occupation, and how to gauge its effectiveness can be inconsistent. Through analysing the different purposes that occupation for people with dementia is perceived to have, this study created a conceptual model depicting the types of meaning that are seen as stemming from occupation. Method The conceptual model was developed through systematic review of 20 qualitative papers with synthesis based on meta‐ethnography. Result The fundamental purpose of occupation identified was to support the person with dementia to feel they were living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Three domains support a person to gain a sense of fulfilment through their occupations: A catalytic environment : For an occupation to be meaningful for a person with dementia it must be perceived by them as having value and legitimacy, this is supported by the physical and social environment around the person. A meaningful life : Living a meaningful life involves the person with dementia continuing to maintain links from across their life course in a way which supports their sense of personal value. This is reflective of their past, though also supports their present and future identity to evolve. Occupation as a tool : Occupation can also be used as a tool by people with dementia and those supporting them as a means to bring about a specific desired effect e.g. maintaining functional skills for independent living. Conclusion The model proposes how occupation could support meaning in multiple ways, and considers how these forms of meaning were influenced by the world views and values of the individual and context in which they were experienced.