Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brent Braveman, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA,
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Illinois at Chicago, M/C 811, 1919 W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Tel.: +1 312 355 2656; Fax: +1 312 413 0256; E-mail: Bbravema@uic.edu
Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to examine and describe the
relationship between the efforts of twelve men living with AIDS to reestablish
a worker role following completion of a vocational rehabilitation program and
changes in their occupational identity, occupational competence and perception
of occupational settings (environment). Methods: A series of in-depth interviews were conducted,
transcribed and analyzed via categorical content analysis using sections of the
text as the unit of analysis. Findings: Findings illustrate how constructs measured by the
sub-scales of the OPHI-II may be helpful in understanding how persons frame
past, present and anticipated experiences as they attempt to reestablish a life
role lost after the onset of disability. The findings are supported by the
quantitative item hierarchies of the occupational identity, occupational
competence and occupational settings (environment) scales established in
earlier quantitative research via Rasch analysis. Conclusion: The constructs of occupational identity,
occupational competence and occupational settings (environment) are useful
constructs to aid in understanding the experiences and narratives of persons
attempting to reenter a major life role.
Keywords: AIDS, employment, model of human occupation, identity, competence
