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Research Article  |   July 1999
Managing Occupations in Everyday Life To Achieve Adaptation
Anna-Lisa Thorén Jönsson; Anders Möller; Gunnar Grimby
Author Affiliations
  • Anna-Lisa Thorén Jönsson, OT, is Doctoral Candidate, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
  • Anders Möller, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital. At the time of this study, he was Associate Professor, College of Health and Caring Sciences, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
  • Gunnar Grimby, MD, PhD, is Professor and Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Research Article   |   July 1999
Managing Occupations in Everyday Life To Achieve Adaptation
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 1999, Vol. 53, 353-362. doi:10.5014/ajot.53.4.353
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 1999, Vol. 53, 353-362. doi:10.5014/ajot.53.4.353
Abstract

Objective. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of how persons with poliomyelitis sequelae manage their daily occupations in order to adapt to environmental demands. This was a study of adaptive processes and capability in everyday life.

Method. Interviews with 22 persons with poliomyelitis sequelae were content analyzed according to grounded theory.

Results. The analysis yielded 18 concepts describing adaptive strategies of participants. The strategies were arranged in six general groups: utilizing physical capability, influencing emotions, altering pattern of occupations, promoting concrete problem-solving, influencing relations, and facilitating future activities.

Conclusion. The strategies were interwoven, revealing different ways of reaching an adaptive balance in daily occupations for the present and the future.