2013/04/01 by Sandra Moll, Sandra E. Moll, Rebecca E. Gewurtz +5 · 2 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Early Childhood Education and Development #Resilience and Mental Health #Youth Development and Social Support
paper · doi:10.1177/0008417413482271
crossref issued 2013/04/01 · crossref published 2013/04/01 · crossref published-print 2013/04/01 · openalex publication_date 2013/04/01 · crossref published-online 2013/05/03 · crossref created 2013/05/03 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · crossref deposited 2026/04/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23 · crossref indexed 2026/08/02
BACKGROUND: Although the value of occupation for health and well-being is fundamental to the occupational therapy profession, this view is not well recognized in the field of public health. PURPOSE: In this article, we argue that occupational therapists have a unique and valuable perspective to bring to the field of public health, particularly with respect to the importance of occupational engagement in promoting the health and well-being of Canadians. KEY ISSUES: There are many compelling reasons for public health advocacy, including the need to increase awareness of the health benefits and risks of occupational engagement for individuals and communities. Challenges that lie ahead, however, include issues related to terminology, the complexity of occupation, the need to consider multidimensional outcomes, and diversity of evidence. IMPLICATIONS: To move forward, the profession of occupational therapy in Canada needs to position health promotion messaging in a way that clearly captures the complexity and value of occupation and resonates with Canadians of all ages and abilities.