Patterns of Occupational Chaos and Reconstruction Following a Life-Altering Event
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-9-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
12-9-2018 12:00 PM
Description
Introduction: This study proposes that humans have an inherent ability to reconstruct after a life-altering experience by harnessing the power of doing. The aim of this inquiry is to study individuals who have experienced the chaos and life disruption that comes with unexpected, negative life events, as well as to identify the strategies and methods that have enabled these individuals to achieve reconstruction.
Methods: Researchers employed the qualitative method of narrative inquiry with participants using purposive, convenience sampling through semi-structured, recorded interviews. Using manual coding, the researchers systematically identified and analyzed themes from encoded transcriptions.
Data Set: This study consisted of eight participants, between the ages of 18 and 65, who have experienced a life-altering event and have since reconstructed their lives using various coping strategies.
Key Findings: Clients who practice mindfulness are more likely to respond to occupational chaos in a positive manner and reconstruct more expeditiously than those who do not. However, the exact form of the mindful behaviors did not appear to have an impact on the ability to reconstruct.
Limitations: Due to the small sample size, difficulty of generalizability to other groups, additional research is necessary to provide insight regarding effects of mindfulness on reconstruction. Implications: This inquiry presented an opportunity to continue to expand the current knowledge on occupational chaos and reconstruction, as well as raise awareness that occupational reconstruction is achievable through the power of doing.
Recommended Citation
Carrasco, R. C., Haxby, S., Knight, K., & Lacina, J. (2018), Patterns of Occupational Chaos and Reconstruction Following a Life-Altering Event, Presentation, Fourth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/fourth/events/2
Patterns of Occupational Chaos and Reconstruction Following a Life-Altering Event
Introduction: This study proposes that humans have an inherent ability to reconstruct after a life-altering experience by harnessing the power of doing. The aim of this inquiry is to study individuals who have experienced the chaos and life disruption that comes with unexpected, negative life events, as well as to identify the strategies and methods that have enabled these individuals to achieve reconstruction.
Methods: Researchers employed the qualitative method of narrative inquiry with participants using purposive, convenience sampling through semi-structured, recorded interviews. Using manual coding, the researchers systematically identified and analyzed themes from encoded transcriptions.
Data Set: This study consisted of eight participants, between the ages of 18 and 65, who have experienced a life-altering event and have since reconstructed their lives using various coping strategies.
Key Findings: Clients who practice mindfulness are more likely to respond to occupational chaos in a positive manner and reconstruct more expeditiously than those who do not. However, the exact form of the mindful behaviors did not appear to have an impact on the ability to reconstruct.
Limitations: Due to the small sample size, difficulty of generalizability to other groups, additional research is necessary to provide insight regarding effects of mindfulness on reconstruction. Implications: This inquiry presented an opportunity to continue to expand the current knowledge on occupational chaos and reconstruction, as well as raise awareness that occupational reconstruction is achievable through the power of doing.