Occupational Therapy and Stress: Foundations, Assessment and Interventions

This is the first book aimed at occupational therapists to examine the background and impact of stress on individuals’ lives, as well as providing practical interventions to address it. Whether you work with clients coping with chronic illness, the onset of disability or a range of psychosocial challenges, stress is a hidden but often all-pervasive issue in your professional practice. This book therefore provides a comprehensive understanding of what stress means, how it can be understood and the practical tools to address it effectively. It begins by introducing the concept of stress and the neurophysiological mechanisms which underpin it. Then it deals with evaluation and assessment, including a range of clinical assessment tools, and covering topics such as lifestyle factors, cross cultural differences, and the effects of technology. The final part of the book provides strategies for interventions, from mindfulness and other relaxation techniques, to music, horticulture and the arts. There is also a chapter on managing group interventions, as well as addressing burnout among practitioners or students. Emphasizing the key interplay between the individual, environment and occupation, this insightful and practical text will be essential reading for occupational therapy students and practitioners alike.