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Research Article  |   July 2002
Outcomes of an Occupational Therapy Program for Mothers of Children With Disabilities: Impact on Satisfaction With Time Use and Occupational Performance
Betsy VanLeit; Terry K. Crowe
Author Affiliations
  • Betsy VanLeit, PhD, OTR/L, is a Lecturer II, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Orthopaedics, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences and Services Building, Room 215, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-5641; bvanleit@salud.unm.edu
  • Terry K. Crowe, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Director and Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Orthopaedics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Article Information
Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Therapist-Parent Outcomes
Research Article   |   July 2002
Outcomes of an Occupational Therapy Program for Mothers of Children With Disabilities: Impact on Satisfaction With Time Use and Occupational Performance
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 2002, Vol. 56, 402-410. doi:10.5014/ajot.56.4.402
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 2002, Vol. 56, 402-410. doi:10.5014/ajot.56.4.402
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This experimental research study evaluated the impact of an 8-week psychosocial occupational therapy intervention program for mothers who have children with disabilities.

METHOD. Thirty-eight mothers of children with disabilities were randomly assigned to participate either in the treatment or the control group (19 in each). The occupational therapy intervention was designed to facilitate increased perceptions of satisfaction with time use and occupational performance, thereby positively affecting maternal and family well-being. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to measure self-perceptions of occupational performance and satisfaction over time.

RESULTS. No significant differences were found between the two groups on time use perceptions. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups on the COPM Performance subscale, the treatment group demonstrated significantly greater score increases (p < .05) on the COPM Satisfaction subscale.

CONCLUSION. This preliminary study suggests that attending to the time use and occupational concerns of mothers of children with disabilities can have a positive impact on their satisfaction with occupational performance.