An Occupational Perspective of Health

This volume addresses issues precipitated by the discipline of occupational science which has recently emerged and is defined as the study of humans as occupational beings.

This discipline focuses on the fact that occupation is an integral and complex part of life.

The text outlines and defines the role of occupation and its role in health and well-being.

The author looks at developing a perspective centred on humans as occupational beings.

She examines the idea that engaging in occupation is a central mechanism of health. The book looks at the history of the profession of occupational therapy and its development by drawing on a wide range of sources, and it addresses topics including anatomy, physiology, public health, health promotion, archeology, occupational evolution, philosophy, economics and research of occupation, both historically and collectively.

Ann Wilcock explores health from an occupational perspective and considers how biological and sociocultural needs influence each other.

She roposes that with this perspective, occupational therapists could have a significant role in public health at individual, community and global levels. Chapters address topics such as the theory of human nature, the importance of occupation in human life according to that theory, the positive influence of occupation on health, the negative effects of occupational alienation, deprivation and imbalance as well as the potential role of occupational therapy as a health promoting profession.