Understanding a Childs Motivations Is Key to Effective Child Occupational Therapy



8212; Researchers have concluded that the practice of child occupational therapy must go hand-in-hand with a thorough understanding of self-determination theory (SDT). Occupational therapists armed with SDT knowledge will be more effective in understanding of the psychological processes of their patients and to enhance their client-centered practices.

This study by Anne Poulsen, Sylvia Rodger and Jenny Ziviani 's8211; all from the University of Queensland 's8211; is published by Blackwell Publishing in the June issue of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, for the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists Inc.

This findings published in this paper demonstrates how knowledge of SDT can enable an improved understanding of a child's8217;s motivation and willingness to engage in activities and occupations. It also explores how children can be assisted to move along a continuum of self-determination through the structuring of his environmental experiences. Using the contexts of SDT to investigate three human psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness; the researchers uncovered information that have the potential to enhance clinical knowledge about activity choices that may enhance child participation.

Working on the assumption that humans have an innate tendency for human growth toward psychological integration and cohesion, researchers developed a motivational climate where children were engaged in Cognitive Orientation for daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) settings.

In reviewing the crucial role of self-determination, this paper demonstrates how awareness of SDT can encourage motivated engagement between children and their families, and positively influence the surrounding therapeutic environment.

Co-author Anne Poulsen said, Motivation is at the heart of all activity engagement. Understanding how to motivate children to become independent, task-oriented participants is the key to well-being, happiness and satisfaction. This is the goal of all therapeutic endeavours, but it is also a goal for all who work with children. SDT has the potential to inform parents, clinicians and educators about mechanisms to help children to move towards Aristotle's8217;s conception of the 's8220;good life's8221; 's8211; a life that is fulfilled and productive.

This study is published in the June 2006 issue of the Australia Occupational Therapy Journal (Vol. 53, Issue 2). Media wishing to interview the authors or receive a PDF of this study, please contact Alina Boey, Public Relations (Asia).

About The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is the official journal of OT Australia, the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, and welcomes manuscripts relevant to the theory, research, practice and education of occupational therapy. The Journal aims to promote research and interdisciplinary communication, and provide a forum for discussion of issues relevant to occupational therapists. The Journal is dedicated to promoting occupational therapy internationally.

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's8217;s leading society publisher, partnering with 665 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and, to date has published close to 6,000 books, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects. The company remains independent with 950 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Singapore, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell's8217;s mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with clients to enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice. For more information on Blackwell Publishing, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com or www.blackwell-synergy.com.

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Understanding a Childs Motivations Is Key to Effective Child Occupational Therapy