Karen McCarthy - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Karen McCarthy

World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 2020

Education is a social determinant of health and higher education can promote inclusion in society... more Education is a social determinant of health and higher education can promote inclusion in society. Inclusion in higher education during social distancing can limit engagement in academic occupations. Lack of engagement can lead to mental health concerns. Populations that are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic may also see a disproportionate rise in mental health issues. Occupational therapists can advocate for a role with students using Wilcock's concepts of doing, being, belonging, and becoming. They can address not only individual-level factors among students, but population-level factors that can promote both mental health and occupational justice in the educational spaces of students, both online and face to face. This case study provides a review of the role that occupational therapy can play on and off campuses amid the pandemic to address the mental health needs of students in higher education.

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, Oct 15, 2020

Background: : Human displacement is a social problem that has occupational implications. There is... more Background: : Human displacement is a social problem that has occupational implications. There is a significant gap in the research focusing on the refugee experience and the impact of this experience on their occupations as they transition to living in the US. This study seeks to capture the experience of refugees and the impact of this transition to the US on a broad array of occupations. Method: : This research is a qualitative study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with two participants who have legal status as refugees living in the US. Results: : Thematic analysis generated three themes: (a) contextual barriers to occupation, (b) belonging, and (c) adaptation. Refugees experienced a variety of contextual barriers, both systemic and sociocultural, that impacted their ability to engage in meaningful occupation leading to a lack of belonging. Refugees adapted to these barriers by adapting their occupations. In addition, the researchers found social networks to be important for positive occupational engagement throughout country transition. Conclusion: : This research adds to occupational science literature regarding the occupational impact of the refugee experience, as well as supporting occupational therapists to address issues of occupational deprivation with refugee populations.

Psychiatry Research, 2016

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$Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Voice Hearers\u27 Occupational Experience of Romantic and Sexual Relationships$

Background: Limited research has been conducted that explores the occupational experience of hear... more Background: Limited research has been conducted that explores the occupational experience of hearing voices, including the impact it has on romantic and/or sexual relationships. This study aims to address this gap by capturing the experience of romantic and sexual relationships for those who hear voices. Method: A phenomenological approach was used to gather data from a survey, electronic diaries, and interviews of three voice hearers who were interested or actively in a casual or serious relationship. Results: All of the participants reported that the voices in some way impacted their past or current romantic and sexual relationships. The dynamic relationship between voices and occupation could directly or indirectly impact the experience of occupation with their partner. Voices with personas were found to have varying levels of participation in occupations, with some becoming co-occupations between the participant and their voices. Support from their partner was valued, though var...

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy

Purpose Dating is a meaningful occupation for many single people. The occupation of dating has tr... more Purpose Dating is a meaningful occupation for many single people. The occupation of dating has transformed considerably in Ireland due to recent changes in Irish culture and the advent of online dating technology. The purpose of this study was to explore the complexities and intricacies of dating in an Irish context. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was used and data were collected using semi-structured interviews with ten heterosexual women (age 24‐34) living in urban areas of Ireland. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Findings Dating did not fully resonate with their experience, but they did not have an alternative term. The form of dating was influenced by cultural, temporal, physical and virtual contexts. Beliefs about dating, fluctuating emotions and feelings of mortification because of the stigma of online dating created meaning for participants and influenced their use of strategies to improve resilience....

The purpose of this presentation is to provide examples of OT practice in order to broaden the sc... more The purpose of this presentation is to provide examples of OT practice in order to broaden the scope of practice to include prevention and wellness treatment and to empower OT's to incorporate these types of services into their practice settings.

Recommended Citation Daley, Carlin Lorena; Daniels, Courtney E.; Dieterle, Camille Marie; Hickey,... more Recommended Citation Daley, Carlin Lorena; Daniels, Courtney E.; Dieterle, Camille Marie; Hickey, Lisa D.; McCarthy, Karen; Pyatak, Elizabeth; and Yang, Tina C., "Making the Connection: Creating Leaders in Research, Education, and Practice through Doctoral Study in Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy" (2009). Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship. 244. https://scholar.dominican.edu/all-faculty/244

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2021

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020

Background: Legislation supports a role for occupational therapy in postsecondary settings, but t... more Background: Legislation supports a role for occupational therapy in postsecondary settings, but this area is not a common practice area and the practice area is not well understood. This scoping review maps current literature of occupational therapists working with students in postsecondary settings in order to inform future research and practice. Method: After identifying included articles, a narrative description of the quantitative studies along with a concept map were completed. A qualitative thematic analysis of the articles was also conducted. Results: Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative results describe occupational therapy services as both a direct and indirect service provided through offices of disability services, assistive technology, and supported education programs, among others. The primary population with whom occupational therapists engage with are students with mental illness. Three qualitative themes emerged from the scoping review, including the focus on occupation and skills needed for success, using the campus environment, and campus collaboration. Conclusion: The structure of occupational therapy services varies from location to location and occupational therapists work with various populations of students. Future research needs to support the distinct value of occupational therapy in this practice area, including the scope and outcomes of occupational therapy services with different populations of students. Comments The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.