Mindfulness in paediatric occupational therapy practice: a phenomenological inquiry.
Kirsten Sarah Smith, Elizabeth Anne Kinsella, Sheila Moodie, Lisa McCorquodale, Gail Teachman
Disability and Rehabilitation May 22, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2214380 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Occupational therapists practicing in Canada and the United States who incorporate mindfulness into their clinical practices with children and youth |
| Topics | Meditation Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Humans Occupational therapy Pediatrics Qualitative research Adult Child Canada United states Female Interviews as topic Occupational therapists Paediatrics |
| Key findings | Therapists described drawing on their own personal mindfulness practice, using mindfulness to enhance children's participation and foster healthy habits, adapting practices for children, keeping them playful, and doing with rather than to children. The authors contend that clinical practice has outpaced the literature on mindfulness in pediatric rehabilitation and that further research is needed. |
Abstract
Purpose: While research into mindfulness practices is on the rise across populations, there is evidence to suggest that clinical practice has outpaced the literature with regard to mindfulness in pediatric rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of occupational therapists who opt to incorporate mindfulness into their clinical practices with children and youth.
Methods: Hermeneutic phenomenology was the methodology of the study. The theoretical framework employed a Heideggerian-informed phenomenology of practice. Eight occupational therapists practicing in Canada and the United States participated in 90-120 min semi-structured interviews that elicited first-hand accounts of mindfulness in pediatric occupational therapy practice. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Finlay's four-step approach.
Results: Six salient themes were identified in the data: drawing from personal practice, enhancing participation, fostering healthy habits, adapting for children, keeping it playful, and doing with.
Conclusion: The findings of this study offer insights for therapists who are considering incorporating mindfulness into their practices with children and youth. Further, this research highlights a number of research priorities that require further inquiry.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 8
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Being Mindful about Mindfulness: An Invitation to Extend Occupational Engagement into the Growing Mindfulness Discourse Journal of Occupational Science September 28, 2011
- Mindfulness in Physical and Occupational Therapy Education and Practice: A scoping review Physical Therapy Reviews June 26, 2017
- Principles for a Responsible Integration of Mindfulness in Individual Therapy Mindfulness April 29, 2019
- Phenomenology of Practice March 31, 2014
and 3 more in the library