Occupational science and well-being

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to consider the relationship between occupational science and well-being. First, I will present how I have thought about occupation as an occupational therapist. There are eight aspects for considering the meaning of occupation. Occupation that is emotionally charged is likely to be meaningful. Occupation can be a means to an end or an end, or both. Through occupation, we can connect with people, objects, and places, and time. Occupation related to self and identity. Although some health consequences follow immersion in occupation, occupation can restore or enhance health in successful occupational therapy. Occupation can organize life. Occupation has a social meaning. Various classifications have been applied to occupation. Next, we consider the relationship between the four factors of well-being and the eight aspects of the meaning of occupation. Finally, I will refer to the idea of labor as an analogous term for occupation. Occupational science goes beyond individual well-being to occupational justice as a vision of society.