Spirituality in the occupational therapy community fieldwork process: a qualitative study in the South African context
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Occupational therapy Association of South Africa
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spirituality is an integral part of communities; it is influenced by the environment and provides meaning and purpose to
occupations. However, spirituality has been a controversial concept within the profession of occupational therapy and is the cause of
much debate with a range of viewpoints emerging among students and educators practising in communities. However there has been
limited research carried out on spirituality in the community fieldwork process in a South African context.
METHODS: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was used to explore occupational therapy educators’ and students’ perceptions
regarding spirituality in the community fieldwork process, using focus group discussions which were thematically analysed.
RESULTS: Three themes emerged: students’ exposure to spirituality in community settings, community development strategies and
perceived enablers of spiritual occupations. The results indicated that community entry, asset-based community development and
empowerment strategies of locality development seemed to assist students in their exposure to spirituality in communities. These
strategies enhanced students’ understanding of the role of spiritual occupations in which community members collectively engage in
order to improve their social participation and connectedness.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings provided an understanding of and insight into spirituality in the occupational therapy community fieldwork
process. These findings may help us to understand the significance of experiential learning regarding spirituality in communities
Description
Keywords
Community development, Occupational therapy, Spirituality, Fieldwork
Citation
Mthembu, T.G. et al. (2017). Spirituality in the occupational therapy community fieldwork process: a qualitative study in the South African context. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 47(1): 16-23