Baking as an occupation: can meaning associated with baking inform our practice as therapists to enhance the health and wellbeing of our service users

For many baking is an everyday occurrence that we undertake without giving much thought to? As OT's we understand that many things contribute to why we engage in certain occupations. The researcher is interested in gaining a... [ view full abstract ]

For many baking is an everyday occurrence that we undertake without giving much thought to? As OT's we understand that many things contribute to why we engage in certain occupations. The researcher is interested in gaining a deeper insight into meaning and how this can be used to enhance the health and well-being of service users from a student OT perspective.
Occupational science considers that engagement in purposeful occupation is an essential part of living and has the potential to influence health and well-being (Yerxa, 1993) and is relevant to Occupational therapists as we work with people to transform their lives by enabling them to do and to be and through the process of becoming (Wilcock, 1999).
The researcher proposes to undertake a phenomological study using a qualitative approach. This approach aims to gain insight into the participant’s personal and professional experiences through semi structured interviews.
The COT have recognised the need for further research into occupation and well-being in their research document (2007:4). The researcher proposes to explore how the meaning associated with baking as an occupation could enhance the health and well-being of service users using a student’s perspective as there is a limited evidence base on this topic. The findings from this study will help to increase the understanding of occupation and health & well-being and create a knowledge base on OT students at Coventry University. In addition enabling us to share best practice to enhance the service we provide to our service users.