The Neuro-Occupation Model for Occupational Therapy: A Correlation Study

Objectives: The Neuro-occupation model has been referenced as the single occupational therapy conceptual framework that considers the interaction of three underpinning variables of Intention, Meaning, and Perception that explains how occupational performance is shaped. To date, studies have focused on the qualitative relationships between the variables. Quantitative studies that focus on the relationships among variables are lacking, begging the question as to whether the model is well-conceptualized. Extending prior work on the Neuro-occupation model, the aim of this quantitative study is to test the model by investigating correlations among the key variables of the model. Methods: This is a correlational study by a convenience sample of ۲۵ cognitively-oriented patients with strokes recruited from three rehabilitation facilities in Shiraz, Iran. The participants were evaluated using three standardized instruments to measure the variables: ۱. Adapted Achievement Motivation Questionnaire, ۲. Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and ۳. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. To control the effects of months post-stroke and cognitive functioning, the partial correlation test was used to explore relationships among the variables. Results: The correlational analysis indicated significant positive relationships among the variables of intention, meaning, and perception. The partial correlations showed acceptable correlation coefficients (r≥۰.۴۵, P<۰.۰۵). Discussion: The Neuro-occupation model is a well-conceptualized framework, which can assist occupational therapists in understanding the design of occupational performance.