Purpose: As a result of stigma, people with experiences of addiction are subjected to discrimination by health professionals and students, including within occupational therapy (OT). Education and exposure can improve care and empathy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a workshop for OT students impacted their attitudes towards people with experiences of addiction. Methods: Electronic surveys were conducted with OT students before (n=58) and after (n=22) the workshop and included questions on knowledge and attitudes. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Two focus groups (n=5) were also conducted. Results: There were significant changes in attitudes on seven of the items of the survey, including that People should not be able to use health insurance for addiction/recovery services (p=0.008) and If people don't want to go to jail for drugs, then they shouldn't use them (p=0.003). Qualitative categories included: interest in learning about addiction, changing perspective over time, and the importance of hearing lived experiences. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the potential for an education program to impact attitudes of students towards people with experiences of addiction. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the program and identified the need for additional education to supplement the OT curriculum.
Author Bio(s)
Averie Robertson, OTD is recent graduate of the Occupational Therapy Program at Midwestern University. Her capstone focused on addressing the importance of nutrition and exercise for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her professional interests include school-based practice, outpatient pediatrics, and advocacy for disability rights.
Bianca Chapa, OTD is recent graduate of the Occupational Therapy Program at Midwestern University. Her capstone focused on life and vocational skill development for emerging adults with psychiatric disabilities. Her research explores the lived experiences of individuals experiencing addiction. Her professional interests include mental health, pediatrics, and sensory processing.
Sam Dooley, OTD, is recent graduate of the Occupational Therapy Program at Midwestern University. Her research interests include exploring the lived experiences of marginalized populations such as individuals experiencing addiction as well as LGBTQ+ practitioners and patients. Her professional interests include mental health, school-based pediatrics, and academia.
Jillian Paguiligan, OTD, is recent graduate of Occupational Therapy Program at Midwestern University. Her capstone focused on addressing burnout and wellness in hospital-based OTs. Her research explores OT students' attitudes toward individuals with lived experiences of addiction. Her professional interests include adult inpatient rehab, acute care, and mental health and well-being.
Emily K. Simpson, PhD, OTR/L is a Professor in Midwestern University’s Occupational Therapy Program. She teaches courses on psychosocial practice, occupational justice, and research. She also serves as a research and capstone mentor. Her research interests include life skills and vocational interventions for young people experiencing homelessness. Her clinical experience is in community-based practice.
Recommended Citation
Robertson AE, Chapa BA, Dooley SJ, Paguiligan JK, Simpson EK. Impact of an Educational Workshop on Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions of People with Experiences of Addiction. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.
2025 Oct 15;23(4), Article 26.
