Occupational science
Research interests
- The phenomenon of boredom.
- Flow: process and clinical application.
- Skilled hand use and its relationship to positive emotions.
- Promotion of leisure occupations for people with profound complex neurological disability.
Research projects
An exploration of the Flow Process
Dr Jon Wright
Prof Gaynor Sadlo
Dr Graham Stew
This project evaluates the theoretical construct of 'flow' and the current measurements of 'flow'. It is developing understanding of this human optimal experience by describing how the phenomenon is experienced before, during and afterwards. Flow has been distinguished from other states of consciousness, such as mindfulness and positive distraction. The latest stage of the research is examining flow within different levels of skilled occupation, and, examining the relationship between 'flow' and mental health/wellbeing.
Skilled hand use and its relationship to positive emotions
Prof Gaynor Sadlo
This study is currently at first stage, using a history of ideas approach to trace the evolutionary development of the human hand and its role in skilled occupational performance, development of sense of self concept and subsequent experiences of well being. The hypothesis is that the proliferation of mechanical and electronic devices in western society is reducing the need for skilled hand use; meanwhile reduced satisfaction of life is being extensively reported, and increasing use of drugs might be symptomatic of reductions in the body’s own opiates which are produced during participation in complex occupations (such as playing music). This occupational science study explores these possible links, while access to the use of FMRI is being explored.
Work related needs of employed people with mental health problems
Mr Josh Cameron
Prof A Hart
Prof G Sadlo
Dr C Walker
Service user and practitioner collaborators
This qualitative project aims to understand better the experience and needs of employed people with mental health problems. It comprises of two related case studies: a set of interviews with community based users of the Retain job retention project and a set of interviews with users of acute mental health services. An evaluation research report about the Retain data was published in September 2009. Mr Cameron is analysing the comparative data sets as part of his doctoral studies.
The "Our Space" collaborative research project
Mr J Walker
Mr Josh Cameron
and other members of 'Community of Practice'
Collaborative research project investigating the well being of Deaf and hard of hearing people with an emphasis on opportunities for cultural participation and identifying ways to increase the cultural competency in occupational therapy education. South East Coastal Communities funded research project (commenced July 2008).
Occupational balance in persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Dr Linda Lovelock
Dr Tanja Stamm
Prof Gaynor Sadlo
Dr Graham Stew
This completed qualitative study addresses a major construct in occupational science, namely concepts of occupational balance. It looked how people perceived changes in their occupational balance following experience of RA; new ways of understanding this aspect of health have been revealed.
Occupational therapy and people with learning disabilities
Mr David Haines
This three part study investigated occupational therapy with people with learning disabilities across all four countries of the United Kingdom from the perspectives of occupational therapists and paid carers. Occupational therapists’ practice was initially audited against current standards using a questionnaire and then investigated in more depth using focus groups. Paid carers were interviewed by telephone. The research findings were presented at the College of Occupational Therapists Conference in Brighton in June 2009 and published by the College of Occupational Therapists in 2010 (see details).
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