Facilitating Social and Leisure Participation in Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness
Graduation Date
2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
Social and leisure participation are important factors in reducing stress and increasing overall quality of life. Individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness often lack social and leisure skills. Few studies show that occupational therapy programs teach social and leisure skills to this population. The authors developed an 8- week social and leisure participation program at Voyager Carmel in California. In-house activities included social bingo, stress management and arts and crafts. Community activities included trips to a science museum, farmers market and a blues festival. Factors which decreased participation were lack of funding and transportation, anxiety issues and resistance to interaction with others. Implications for future groups include expanding program length, obtaining funding and establishing trust with participants prior to program implementation.