LEARNING FROM PRATICIPATION IN CREATIVE ACTVITIES TRANSFERRED T0 EVERYDAY LIFE

Background: Creative activities have traditionally been used in psychiatric occupational therapy. However, there is a lack of research on how creative activities influence everyday life; especially with a learning perspective.... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Creative activities have traditionally been used in psychiatric occupational therapy. However, there is a lack of research on how creative activities influence everyday life; especially with a learning perspective. The aim of the study is to develop and qualify the use of creative activities as a method in rehabilitation seen in a learning perspective.

Method:
The study is based on action research. Field-studies and semi-structured interviews have been used. Data were analysed using Brinkman and Kvale´s three levels of analysis (2015). A learning perspective theory of transfer by Wahlgren and Aarkrog (2012) was used in the analysis.

Results:
The results showed that competences acquired by the informants related to general transfer to other contexts including use of general knowledge. Through participation in creative activities, the informants achieved competences such as active participation and engagement in social contexts as well as abilities to problem solve and plan/follow procedures and structures.

Conclusion:
The study shows that the use of creative activities as part of psychiatric rehabilitation has potential to give general transfer of competences into coping with daily tasks. The results offer a learning perspective on developing and qualifying the use of creative activities.

Application to Practice:
Implementing the use of creative activities has a potential to qualify and expand occupational therapy rehabilitation regarding coping with everyday life.

References:
(1) Wahlgren, B. & Aarkrog, V. (2012) Transfer, Aarhus Universitetsforlag.
(2) Brinkmann, S. & Kvale, S. (2015) InterViews – Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing (Third Edition), Los Angeles, Sage Publication.