OBJECTIVE. We explored the potential impact of mindfulness-based yoga (MBY) for youth with persistent concussion by examining occupation-based and neurophysiological outcomes. METHOD. In this case series design study, 6 youths ages 13–17 yr with concussion symptoms for >4 wk participated in an 8-wk MBY intervention, 1×/wk for 45 min. Participation, self-efficacy, and heart rate variability (24 hr) were collected before, after, and 3 mo after the intervention. Heart rate variability was also measured during each session. RESULTS. Trends of increased self-efficacy in academic, social, and emotional domains were found after MBY and maintained at 3-mo follow-up. Trends of increasing heart rate variability were also found pre- to postintervention and within the eight MBY sessions. CONCLUSION. Preliminary results reveal positive trends after a novel, safe intervention for youth with persistent concussion symptoms and the value of exploring both occupation-based and neurophysiological measures. Future research with a larger sample and control group is warranted.

Associations between occupational factors and characteristics of the social network in people with persistent mental illness were investigated. Participant groups (N = 103) representing three types of daily occupations— working or studying, visiting community-based activity centers, and having no regular daily occupation—were selected for the study. Participants were assessed regarding social interaction and on the occupational factors of time spent in productive occupations, activity level, satisfaction with daily occupations, and perceived occupational value. The groups based on daily occupation did not differ in social interaction. Associations were found mainly between the subjective estimations of occupation—satisfaction and perceived value—and characteristics of the social network. In conclusion, experiential aspects of occupation were more closely related to social interaction than actual circumstances, such as type of daily occupation or time spent in productive occupations. The results suggest that occupational therapists should focus their attention on the patient’s participation in a supportive social network because it may be related to valued and satisfying occupations.

Objective. This ethnographic study examined what makes work meaningful for persons with persistent mental illness and how this meaningfulness relates to their recovery. Method. Twelve persons between 32 and 58 years of age who had been involved an average of 19 years with a formal mental health system participated in in-depth interviews and a focus group. Thematic analysis and case studies were understood in the context of the investigator’s 15 months of participant observation of 35 persons with psychiatric disabilities working at an affirmative business. Results. The meaning of work varied with participants ’perception of their illness and their self-concept. Changes in their self-efficacy and self-concept were driven by their participation in work activities to operate the affirmative business. Conclusion. Findings suggest that therapists could potentially facilitate these changes in clients’ sense of self-efficacy and self-concept by helping them make connections with meaningful occupations and contributions to organizations in the community and to experience challenges and successes in the context of meaningful work.

Family-centered occupational therapy services are based on a collaborative relationship that does not always come easily. Role performance in parenting a child with special needs and being a consumer of occupational therapy services can be partially understood in terms of environmental context. Although occupational therapists recognize the need to adjust services to the cultural and economic backgrounds of families, most of the available literature has examined the contribution of ethnic differences. A particular challenge for occupational therapists may be treating clients and their families who live in chronic poverty. This article examines chronic poverty as it shapes parenting the child with special needs and subsequently the caregiver’s participation in occupational therapy services. A framework for understanding cultural differences is used to suggest constrasting value orientations between families who live with persistent poverty and occupational therapists. A family-centered approach challenges the professional to understand varied influences on caregiving. Suggestions are offered to enhance communication between therapists and caregivers.