Meaningful Living across the Lifespan:
Occupation-based intervention strategies for occupational therapists and scientists
Meaningful Living across the Lifespan
Occupation-Based Intervention Strategies for Occupational Therapists and Scientists
Moses N Ikiugu and Nick Pollard
Whiting & Birch
MMXV
© Whiting & Birch Ltd 2015
Published by Whiting & Birch Ltd,
Forest Hill, London SE23 3HZ
ISBN: (print) 9781861771377
ISBN: (ebook) 9781861770929
Printed in England and the United States by Lightning Source
Contents
PART I: FOUNDATIONAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Developing a working definition of meaningfulness
Learning objectives
Frankl’s ideas as a guide to meaning-making
Creating meaning and happiness by not actually pursuing either
A perennial search for meaning
Philosophical definition
Meaningfulness as a function of one’s relationship with God, soul, or both
Objective versus subjective views
A working definition of meaningfulness
Applying the ideas discussed in Chapter 1
Chapter 2 Meaningfulness as an experienced phenomenon: Lessons from worker-writer autobiographies
Learning objectives
Through common experiences found in every-day occupations
Through connection to something bigger than oneself
By a sense of fulfilment through exploration and creativity
By a sense of connection to others through occupation
Through a sense of social responsibility
Through experiences of efficacy or competence, and independence
Through the affirmation of individual identity
Occupational experiences and developmental stage
Through ability to negotiate change and to adapt
Through intimacy-related occupations
Through a sense of belonging in one’s culture and temporal context
Applying the ideas discussed in Chapter 2
Chapter 3 The human quest for meaning
Learning Objectives
The search for meaning as a perennial human quest
Religion as a vehicle in the quest for meaning
Cultural imagination as a means to meaning: The role of myths and legends