Priority 17 from the Occupational Therapy PSP

UNCERTAINTY: What is the nature of the relationship between occupation and health and well-being? (JLA PSP Priority 17)
Overall ranking 17
JLA question ID 0100/17
Explanatory note The aim of this question is to provide research evidence about the nature of the recognised inter-relationship between occupation, mental and physical health and overall well-being that underpins the occupational therapy profession.
Evidence

Other than theoretical discussion papers listed here, other evidence tends to focus on mental health or other areas of recovery rather than in both areas of mental and physical. This is an area of uncertainty.
Fortune, T. and M. Kennedy-Jones (2014). "Occupation and its relationship with health and wellbeing: the threshold concept for occupational therapy." Australian Occupational Therapy Journal 61(5): 293-298.
Hammell, K. R. W. (2014). "Belonging, occupation, and human well-being: an exploration." Canadian Journal Of Occupational Therapy. Revue Canadienne D'ergotherapie 81(1): 39-50.
Madsen, J., et al. (2016). "The assumed relation between occupation and inequality in health." Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 23(1): 1-12.
Stewart, K. E., et al. (2016). "Toward the reconceptualization of the relationship between occupation and health and well-being." Canadian Journal Of Occupational Therapy. Revue Canadienne D'ergotherapie 83(4): 249-259.
Health Research Classification System category Generic Health Relevance
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples Evidence for the links between physical health and mental health and how occupation plays a part.  ~ How does deep engagement in an occupation that you love specifically lead to better health?  ~ We need more questions on the effectiveness of interventions and the links between occupation and health ~ How engagement in occupations is related to health  ~ How beneficial small life changes can be for mental health-eg a short walk each day, getting outside in daylight, daily conversation 
Submitted by Carers, Occupational Therapists
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0100
PSP name Occupational Therapy
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 66  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 27 July 2020