Browsing by Author "Pieterse, Gisele Shaline"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Participation in meaningful occupation : how do young adults living with cerebral palsy experience the quality of their participation?
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Pieterse, Gisele Shaline; Vlok, E. D.; Bester, Juanita; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Occupational Therapy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Participation in meaningful occupations is what defines us as human beings and is an important indicator of health and well-being. It is the way we experience the world around us and is closely linked to quality of life. As an occupational therapist at a school for learners with special educational needs, the researcher was interested in how young adults with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP) who attended this school, experience their participation or the lack thereof in occupations and if it contributes to meaning and fulfilment in their lives? She established through informal conversation with some of these young adults or their parents, that they experience unemployment, unhappiness and poor integration within the community. The aim of this study was therefore to describe how young adults living with CP in economically disadvantaged communities within the Western Cape, experience the quality of their participation in meaningful occupations. A qualitative phenomenological study design was used, enabling the researcher to explore the value and meaning participants attach to different occupations, the participants perceptions of their experience and the factors impacting on their participation. The study population was young adults between the ages of 18-28 years with a diagnosis of CP, who attended the previously mentioned school and who exited school over the duration of the past nine years. The researcher used purposive maximum variation sampling, to ensure variation in terms of diagnosis, living arrangements, employment and marital status. Data collection took the form of ten face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews and inductive content analysis was utilized to analyse data. The following four themes emerged from the data: overcoming challenges; having equal opportunities; barriers holding me back and the future is mine to shape. These young adults participated in a variety of meaningful occupations and have learned to utilize various strategies to overcome the difficulties they faced in this process. The following factors influenced their participation positively: having meaningful relationships; accepting their disability and nurturing a positive attitude; being proud of their achievements; positive work experiences and involvement in the community. Factors contributing to these young adults not experiencing meaningful participation were the following: their perception of themselves and also how they perceived being treated by others; non-acceptance of their physical circumstances and disability; incompetence and poor self-confidence; termination of previously meaningful occupations; challenges with interpersonal relationships and unsatisfactory work experiences. The need to be as independent as possible was of utmost importance to all these young adults, as it was an indicator of being in control of their own lives. Given the above information, the researcher recommends a transition preparation program for senior phase learners that will include sessions on work habits, social skills, transportation, self-employment and integration into the community to be implemented at the school. Supported employment options should be explored as well to ensure maximum employment among these learners exiting school. A follow-up system should be established to evaluate the effectiveness of the above-mentioned program.