Heleen Reid | Auckland University of Technology (original) (raw)
Papers by Heleen Reid
Background: Occupational therapy's connection to positivist science predates the profession's for... more Background: Occupational therapy's connection to positivist science predates the profession's formal beginning, with important contributing knowledge sources coming from mathematics, physics, psychology, and systems theory. While these sources of objective knowledge provide a rational, defendable position for practice, they can only explain a portion of what it means to exist as an occupational being. Aims/Objectives: This article aims to reveal some of the history of science within occupational therapy and reveal the subjective, ontological nature of doing everyday activities that the profession's preoccupation with positivist science has obscured. Methods: This research used a history of ideas methodology to uncover how occupational therapy perceived people and how practice was conceptualised and conducted between 1800 and 1980s, as depicted in writing of the time. Conclusion: Analysis showed that, through history, people were increasingly categorised and delimited. Practice also became systematically controlled, moving occupational therapy into a theoretical, scientific, and abstract realm. Significance: The emphasis placed on objectivity diminishes the attention given to human ways of practicing, where the subjective experience is central to our thinking.
Journal of Occupational Science, Jun 30, 2021
The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in ... more The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in August 2020. Part of that pledge was an undertaking to “mentor and encourage authors and reviewers to promote anti-racist practices in their work within the Journal and in their local work contexts” (p. 294). To support that work, we now provide a translation of the pledge, in French, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. For the original English version, refer to Journal of Occupational Science (2020), 27(3), 294–295.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, Jan 11, 2019
Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their as... more Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their associated diagrams are conceptual tools that represent the key concepts and their interrelationships, which have withstood substantial shifts in the profession's knowledge base and scope over the last 30-40 years. Aims: We aim to bring into question the sustainability of the diagrams used to represent models. Methods: Intellectual history and semiotic analysis are combined as tools for examining the history of selected occupation-based models and the convention of representing them diagrammatically. Our critique employs a hermeneutically inspired semiotic technique to scrutinise the diagrams as stand-alone symbolic objects. Results: We argue that the rigid categorisation and oversimplified structure of diagrams keeps the profession pinned to dated perspectives based in positivism and dualism, bypassing the real, lived experiences of people. Our critique highlights the ontological absences from diagrammatic representations of occupation-based models. Conclusions: The continued practice of depicting models with diagrams needs to change, to create space to integrate other theory and perspectives, such as a more fundamentally human, ontological perspective. Significance: An ontological perspective is important for practice to advance past the dualistic or pluralistic stance the profession has held for decade, to understand how people experience their world rather than how the profession sees a person's world.
Auckland University of Technology, 2020
Journal of Occupational Science, 2021
The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in ... more The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in August 2020. Part of that pledge was an undertaking to “mentor and encourage authors and reviewers to promote anti-racist practices in their work within the Journal and in their local work contexts” (p. 294). To support that work, we now provide a translation of the pledge, in French, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. For the original English version, refer to Journal of Occupational Science (2020), 27(3), 294–295.
Journal of Occupational Science, 2020
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2019
Background. Models provide a structure for organizing knowledge and facilitating learning and are... more Background. Models provide a structure for organizing knowledge and facilitating learning and are upheld by occupational therapy as epitomizing the cornerstones of its practice. Purpose. This article briefly examines the scientific history of occupation-based model development in the 1950s before addressing the process of conceptual model making in occupational therapy. Using the theory of semiosis, it explains and takes a critical perspective on conceptual model building in occupational therapy. Key Issues. Since the surge of development in the mid-1970s, models have grown and undergone some revision. However, while the profession has often contested the definitions of its core terms, it has not challenged the accepted models and diagrams that present the constituents of practice. Implications. Examining the processes of conceptual model development from a critical, semiotic point of view foregrounds models in the historico-theoretical literature and brings into scrutiny a model’s ...
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2019
Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their as... more Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their associated diagrams are conceptual tools that represent the key concepts and their interrelationships, which have withstood substantial shifts in the profession's knowledge base and scope over the last 30-40 years. Aims: We aim to bring into question the sustainability of the diagrams used to represent models. Methods: Intellectual history and semiotic analysis are combined as tools for examining the history of selected occupation-based models and the convention of representing them diagrammatically. Our critique employs a hermeneutically inspired semiotic technique to scrutinise the diagrams as stand-alone symbolic objects. Results: We argue that the rigid categorisation and oversimplified structure of diagrams keeps the profession pinned to dated perspectives based in positivism and dualism, bypassing the real, lived experiences of people. Our critique highlights the ontological absences from diagrammatic representations of occupation-based models. Conclusions: The continued practice of depicting models with diagrams needs to change, to create space to integrate other theory and perspectives, such as a more fundamentally human, ontological perspective. Significance: An ontological perspective is important for practice to advance past the dualistic or pluralistic stance the profession has held for decade, to understand how people experience their world rather than how the profession sees a person's world.
Journal of Occupational Science, 2012
Josie Martin is a long-time, established artist. She is a regular exhibitor, with numerous solo a... more Josie Martin is a long-time, established artist. She is a regular exhibitor, with numerous solo and group exhibitions in New Zealand and overseas. Josie is the recipient of a number of awards and scholarships and has undertaken art residencies in Assisi, Italy; the International School of Art in Todi, Italy; the Vermont Studio Center in USA; the MacDowell Art Colony,
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2009
This study aimed to explore the experience of adults with dyspraxia, after discharge from inpatie... more This study aimed to explore the experience of adults with dyspraxia, after discharge from inpatient care, in the course of their everyday activities. A small-scale qualitative study conducted in metropolitan New Zealand with men who had dyspraxia after a stroke. Data collection included individual interviews and videoing each participant performing one or two everyday tasks they selected as showing the impact of the disorder. Analysis was guided by phenomenology. Analysis of the data revealed the struggle participants have with their unknowing and unwilling bodies, puzzled thinking, unfamiliar surroundings and unhandy tools. Despite the enormity of their struggles, participants persevere; using strategies they devise themselves to overcome obstacles. The path to recovery remains unclear as dyspraxia makes itself known one day and not the next. Sheer determination and a hope for the future helps participants continue to try to reclaim the person they were prior to the dyspraxia. Health professionals can help by understanding what people with dyspraxia experience, supporting their hopefulness of improvement and building up knowledge of the functional and compensatory strategies they devise to support participation in daily activities.
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2010
I was intrigued when I read the commentary title by Robert Pereira (2009) on the climate change d... more I was intrigued when I read the commentary title by Robert Pereira (2009) on the climate change debate and its potential impact on the occupations of older adults in Australia. I like the way Pereira sets out to bring climate change into the occupational therapy professional discourse, as it certainly is not a dominant discourse at present. However, there are certain areas I would like to challenge to broaden the concepts and debate around climate change in relation to the occupations of older adults. Climate change is regarded as a largely unproven topic in the scientific arena or tends to be portrayed from one side (Wishart & Wishart, 2009). Conspiracy theorists could thrive on the plausible links between the government-appointed scientists and their reports, vs. the non-governmental panels. To pull one non-governmental report forward, the International Climate Science Coalition (ICSC, 2008) presents the Manhattan Declaration on climate change wherein scientists have declared that government legislation and costly regulations to reduce CO2 emissions are likely to have a marked effect on prosperity and development. This reduces ‘the ability of societies to adapt to inevitable climate change, thereby increasing, not decreasing human suffering’ (Singer & Idso, 2009). Wishart and Wishart (2009) estimate that for the average family in New Zealand, government schemes to reduce emissions could cost $300 per week on top of the already growing pressures within a recessed economy. I would suggest that this would result in a drastic change in occupations and in the choices that people (not just older adults) can make. Perhaps the institutional environment is where potential occupational deprivation could arise rather than from the impact rising temperatures can have on the natural environment. Pereira uses some notable concepts about occupation in his commentary, but fails to address Wilcock and Townsend’s (2000) notion that the intricacy in occupational lives can also result in ‘promoting growth (both personal and ⁄ or as a collective)’ (Pereira, 2009, p. 365). So, although the environment can be a negatively perceived precipitator of change (Kielhofner, 2008), it can also be a positive source bringing new or diversified opportunities. Such growth can occur through people’s ability to adapt, creating sustainable solutions, rather than being the ‘victims’ of climate change. In relation to
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2013
Background/aim: There is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new grad... more Background/aim: There is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists entering practice, including understanding graduates' abilities to translate knowledge and skills gained in their professional training, into the clinical setting. This study sought to explore the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly graduated occupational therapists in New Zealand. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used including: (i) online survey completed by 458 New Zealand registered occupational therapists, and (ii) five focus groups, in four cities, with occupational therapists, educators and managers. Survey and focus group questions explored new graduates' preparedness for practice based on the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand competencies for registration. Results: New graduates were perceived to be strong in the competencies of 'communication' and 'continuing professional development', and weaker in the areas of 'implementation of occupational therapy' and 'management of environment and resources'. Perceptions of graduates' preparedness in relation to 'culturally safe practice', 'safe, ethical and legal practice' and 'management of self and people' were mixed. Conclusion: The profession has not raised any serious concerns about new graduates' preparedness for practice; however, there were some identified weaknesses. Currently, there is no clear evidence that increasing undergraduate training time would address these weaknesses and some indication that postgraduate focus may be preferable. Furthermore, the findings highlight the inconsistency in previous studies regarding perceptions of graduate preparedness. Further research regarding new graduates preparedness for practice, from multiple perspectives and taking into consideration length and stage of education, is recommended.
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014
Introduction Clients with cognitive impairments are at risk of not being able to manage everyday ... more Introduction Clients with cognitive impairments are at risk of not being able to manage everyday activities because of functional limitations related to sensory processing, memory, task sequencing, and decision making (Bossen et al 2009). Assessments of this client group inform goal setting and intervention plans that will support the clients' choice about their living situations. To protect the clients' interests and safety, therapists need to explain the assessment process and how the information generated will be used, so that clients can make informed decisions about the provision of services. The principle underpinning this requirement is that occupational therapy should be based on client choice and participation in planning, including allowing clients to take risks and fail (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists 1997, Clemens et al 1994, Law et al 1995). Enacting that principle, however, is complicated when clients have cognitive impairments affecting their capacity to understand the risks they face, the choices available to them, and the potential consequences of the decisions they make. The importance of this issue is heightened by the increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment that is associated with increasing rates of dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease as populations age worldwide (United Nations 2007). Therefore, the goal of this study was to inform professional debate about how therapists ought to respond to these issues, by exploring what occupational therapists actually do when they conduct assessments with clients with cognitive impairments.
Background: Occupational therapy's connection to positivist science predates the profession's for... more Background: Occupational therapy's connection to positivist science predates the profession's formal beginning, with important contributing knowledge sources coming from mathematics, physics, psychology, and systems theory. While these sources of objective knowledge provide a rational, defendable position for practice, they can only explain a portion of what it means to exist as an occupational being. Aims/Objectives: This article aims to reveal some of the history of science within occupational therapy and reveal the subjective, ontological nature of doing everyday activities that the profession's preoccupation with positivist science has obscured. Methods: This research used a history of ideas methodology to uncover how occupational therapy perceived people and how practice was conceptualised and conducted between 1800 and 1980s, as depicted in writing of the time. Conclusion: Analysis showed that, through history, people were increasingly categorised and delimited. Practice also became systematically controlled, moving occupational therapy into a theoretical, scientific, and abstract realm. Significance: The emphasis placed on objectivity diminishes the attention given to human ways of practicing, where the subjective experience is central to our thinking.
Journal of Occupational Science, Jun 30, 2021
The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in ... more The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in August 2020. Part of that pledge was an undertaking to “mentor and encourage authors and reviewers to promote anti-racist practices in their work within the Journal and in their local work contexts” (p. 294). To support that work, we now provide a translation of the pledge, in French, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. For the original English version, refer to Journal of Occupational Science (2020), 27(3), 294–295.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, Jan 11, 2019
Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their as... more Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their associated diagrams are conceptual tools that represent the key concepts and their interrelationships, which have withstood substantial shifts in the profession's knowledge base and scope over the last 30-40 years. Aims: We aim to bring into question the sustainability of the diagrams used to represent models. Methods: Intellectual history and semiotic analysis are combined as tools for examining the history of selected occupation-based models and the convention of representing them diagrammatically. Our critique employs a hermeneutically inspired semiotic technique to scrutinise the diagrams as stand-alone symbolic objects. Results: We argue that the rigid categorisation and oversimplified structure of diagrams keeps the profession pinned to dated perspectives based in positivism and dualism, bypassing the real, lived experiences of people. Our critique highlights the ontological absences from diagrammatic representations of occupation-based models. Conclusions: The continued practice of depicting models with diagrams needs to change, to create space to integrate other theory and perspectives, such as a more fundamentally human, ontological perspective. Significance: An ontological perspective is important for practice to advance past the dualistic or pluralistic stance the profession has held for decade, to understand how people experience their world rather than how the profession sees a person's world.
Auckland University of Technology, 2020
Journal of Occupational Science, 2021
The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in ... more The members of the Journal of Occupational Science issued a pledge to mobilize against racism in August 2020. Part of that pledge was an undertaking to “mentor and encourage authors and reviewers to promote anti-racist practices in their work within the Journal and in their local work contexts” (p. 294). To support that work, we now provide a translation of the pledge, in French, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. For the original English version, refer to Journal of Occupational Science (2020), 27(3), 294–295.
Journal of Occupational Science, 2020
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2019
Background. Models provide a structure for organizing knowledge and facilitating learning and are... more Background. Models provide a structure for organizing knowledge and facilitating learning and are upheld by occupational therapy as epitomizing the cornerstones of its practice. Purpose. This article briefly examines the scientific history of occupation-based model development in the 1950s before addressing the process of conceptual model making in occupational therapy. Using the theory of semiosis, it explains and takes a critical perspective on conceptual model building in occupational therapy. Key Issues. Since the surge of development in the mid-1970s, models have grown and undergone some revision. However, while the profession has often contested the definitions of its core terms, it has not challenged the accepted models and diagrams that present the constituents of practice. Implications. Examining the processes of conceptual model development from a critical, semiotic point of view foregrounds models in the historico-theoretical literature and brings into scrutiny a model’s ...
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2019
Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their as... more Background: Occupation-based models are generic explanations of occupational engagement. Their associated diagrams are conceptual tools that represent the key concepts and their interrelationships, which have withstood substantial shifts in the profession's knowledge base and scope over the last 30-40 years. Aims: We aim to bring into question the sustainability of the diagrams used to represent models. Methods: Intellectual history and semiotic analysis are combined as tools for examining the history of selected occupation-based models and the convention of representing them diagrammatically. Our critique employs a hermeneutically inspired semiotic technique to scrutinise the diagrams as stand-alone symbolic objects. Results: We argue that the rigid categorisation and oversimplified structure of diagrams keeps the profession pinned to dated perspectives based in positivism and dualism, bypassing the real, lived experiences of people. Our critique highlights the ontological absences from diagrammatic representations of occupation-based models. Conclusions: The continued practice of depicting models with diagrams needs to change, to create space to integrate other theory and perspectives, such as a more fundamentally human, ontological perspective. Significance: An ontological perspective is important for practice to advance past the dualistic or pluralistic stance the profession has held for decade, to understand how people experience their world rather than how the profession sees a person's world.
Journal of Occupational Science, 2012
Josie Martin is a long-time, established artist. She is a regular exhibitor, with numerous solo a... more Josie Martin is a long-time, established artist. She is a regular exhibitor, with numerous solo and group exhibitions in New Zealand and overseas. Josie is the recipient of a number of awards and scholarships and has undertaken art residencies in Assisi, Italy; the International School of Art in Todi, Italy; the Vermont Studio Center in USA; the MacDowell Art Colony,
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2009
This study aimed to explore the experience of adults with dyspraxia, after discharge from inpatie... more This study aimed to explore the experience of adults with dyspraxia, after discharge from inpatient care, in the course of their everyday activities. A small-scale qualitative study conducted in metropolitan New Zealand with men who had dyspraxia after a stroke. Data collection included individual interviews and videoing each participant performing one or two everyday tasks they selected as showing the impact of the disorder. Analysis was guided by phenomenology. Analysis of the data revealed the struggle participants have with their unknowing and unwilling bodies, puzzled thinking, unfamiliar surroundings and unhandy tools. Despite the enormity of their struggles, participants persevere; using strategies they devise themselves to overcome obstacles. The path to recovery remains unclear as dyspraxia makes itself known one day and not the next. Sheer determination and a hope for the future helps participants continue to try to reclaim the person they were prior to the dyspraxia. Health professionals can help by understanding what people with dyspraxia experience, supporting their hopefulness of improvement and building up knowledge of the functional and compensatory strategies they devise to support participation in daily activities.
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2010
I was intrigued when I read the commentary title by Robert Pereira (2009) on the climate change d... more I was intrigued when I read the commentary title by Robert Pereira (2009) on the climate change debate and its potential impact on the occupations of older adults in Australia. I like the way Pereira sets out to bring climate change into the occupational therapy professional discourse, as it certainly is not a dominant discourse at present. However, there are certain areas I would like to challenge to broaden the concepts and debate around climate change in relation to the occupations of older adults. Climate change is regarded as a largely unproven topic in the scientific arena or tends to be portrayed from one side (Wishart & Wishart, 2009). Conspiracy theorists could thrive on the plausible links between the government-appointed scientists and their reports, vs. the non-governmental panels. To pull one non-governmental report forward, the International Climate Science Coalition (ICSC, 2008) presents the Manhattan Declaration on climate change wherein scientists have declared that government legislation and costly regulations to reduce CO2 emissions are likely to have a marked effect on prosperity and development. This reduces ‘the ability of societies to adapt to inevitable climate change, thereby increasing, not decreasing human suffering’ (Singer & Idso, 2009). Wishart and Wishart (2009) estimate that for the average family in New Zealand, government schemes to reduce emissions could cost $300 per week on top of the already growing pressures within a recessed economy. I would suggest that this would result in a drastic change in occupations and in the choices that people (not just older adults) can make. Perhaps the institutional environment is where potential occupational deprivation could arise rather than from the impact rising temperatures can have on the natural environment. Pereira uses some notable concepts about occupation in his commentary, but fails to address Wilcock and Townsend’s (2000) notion that the intricacy in occupational lives can also result in ‘promoting growth (both personal and ⁄ or as a collective)’ (Pereira, 2009, p. 365). So, although the environment can be a negatively perceived precipitator of change (Kielhofner, 2008), it can also be a positive source bringing new or diversified opportunities. Such growth can occur through people’s ability to adapt, creating sustainable solutions, rather than being the ‘victims’ of climate change. In relation to
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2013
Background/aim: There is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new grad... more Background/aim: There is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists entering practice, including understanding graduates' abilities to translate knowledge and skills gained in their professional training, into the clinical setting. This study sought to explore the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly graduated occupational therapists in New Zealand. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used including: (i) online survey completed by 458 New Zealand registered occupational therapists, and (ii) five focus groups, in four cities, with occupational therapists, educators and managers. Survey and focus group questions explored new graduates' preparedness for practice based on the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand competencies for registration. Results: New graduates were perceived to be strong in the competencies of 'communication' and 'continuing professional development', and weaker in the areas of 'implementation of occupational therapy' and 'management of environment and resources'. Perceptions of graduates' preparedness in relation to 'culturally safe practice', 'safe, ethical and legal practice' and 'management of self and people' were mixed. Conclusion: The profession has not raised any serious concerns about new graduates' preparedness for practice; however, there were some identified weaknesses. Currently, there is no clear evidence that increasing undergraduate training time would address these weaknesses and some indication that postgraduate focus may be preferable. Furthermore, the findings highlight the inconsistency in previous studies regarding perceptions of graduate preparedness. Further research regarding new graduates preparedness for practice, from multiple perspectives and taking into consideration length and stage of education, is recommended.
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014
Introduction Clients with cognitive impairments are at risk of not being able to manage everyday ... more Introduction Clients with cognitive impairments are at risk of not being able to manage everyday activities because of functional limitations related to sensory processing, memory, task sequencing, and decision making (Bossen et al 2009). Assessments of this client group inform goal setting and intervention plans that will support the clients' choice about their living situations. To protect the clients' interests and safety, therapists need to explain the assessment process and how the information generated will be used, so that clients can make informed decisions about the provision of services. The principle underpinning this requirement is that occupational therapy should be based on client choice and participation in planning, including allowing clients to take risks and fail (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists 1997, Clemens et al 1994, Law et al 1995). Enacting that principle, however, is complicated when clients have cognitive impairments affecting their capacity to understand the risks they face, the choices available to them, and the potential consequences of the decisions they make. The importance of this issue is heightened by the increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment that is associated with increasing rates of dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease as populations age worldwide (United Nations 2007). Therefore, the goal of this study was to inform professional debate about how therapists ought to respond to these issues, by exploring what occupational therapists actually do when they conduct assessments with clients with cognitive impairments.