The occupational wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness

Article


Thomas, Yvonne, Gray, Marion Alexandra and McGinty, Sue. 2017. "The occupational wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness." Journal of Occupational Science. 24 (2), pp. 181-192. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2017.1301828
Article Title

The occupational wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness

ERA Journal ID11021
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsThomas, Yvonne (Author), Gray, Marion Alexandra (Author) and McGinty, Sue (Author)
Journal TitleJournal of Occupational Science
Journal Citation24 (2), pp. 181-192
Number of Pages12
Year2017
Place of PublicationAustralia
ISSN1442-7591
2158-1576
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2017.1301828
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14427591.2017.1301828
Abstract

This paper reports findings of a study that utilised an occupational perspective to explore how well-being was achieved and sustained by the occupations of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Thirty three in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in a regional city in Australia. Data from the interviews were thematically analysed to understand the relationship between well-being, as defined by the individual, and the occupations engaged in by people experiencing homelessness. The findings are reported here as three collective narratives that illustrate the experiences of diverse groups within the homelessness population explored in this study. The study demonstrates how occupations go beyond individual experience and choice to explore the social and cultural value of occupations as a means to well-being. The findings are discussed in relation to three key themes that emerged from the study: survival, self-identity and social connectedness. These interconnected concepts complement the existing occupational science literature, and offer a preliminary framework for understanding and improving well-being for disadvantaged and marginalised people where occupations are restricted by societal forces. The findings support the urgent need to redirect services to support occupational opportunities that are socially and culturally valued and enhance survival, self-identity and connectedness of homeless people.

Keywordshomeless, identity, connectedness, occupational justice, Indigenous, Clinical Sciences
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020450420. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing
441099. Sociology not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Worcester, United Kingdom
University of the Sunshine Coast
James Cook University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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