Browsing by Author "Gurevitz, Shelley"

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    Effectiveness of Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Interventions in Promoting Occupational Performance for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness: A Rapid Systematic Review
    (2023-05-05) Stephenson, Sally; Gurevitz, Shelley; Hamilton, Jessica; Mays, Mallory; Claybon, Anna; Sego, Daniel; Chase, Tony; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences
    This rapid systematic review discusses the current evidence of studies related to occupational therapy interventions in improving the occupational performance of those diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Psychosocial interventions are one of the main ways that participation and performance in occupations can be addressed within the occupational therapy treatment of individuals with SMI. In those who have an SMI, occupational performance and participation can be impacted due to symptomology and by the stigma of living with SMI, ultimately leading to occupational injustice. The current review analyzed 25 studies that implemented a psychosocial intervention in their treatment for those diagnosed with an SMI. The review identified three categories of psychosocial interventions (cognitive-based, skills training, and occupation-based) with six subcategories: metacognition, cognitive remediation, psychoeducation, social skills, life skills, and vocational rehabilitation. Findings reveal a strong level of evidence for the use of psychosocial interventions in supporting occupational performance and ultimately increasing occupational justice for individuals with SMI. The current review supports the use of psychosocial intervention approaches which can guide occupational therapy practitioners working with SMI populations.
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    Implementing Aging-in-Place Programming for LGBTQ+ Older Adults: A Doctoral Capstone Project
    (2025-05-08) Gurevitz, Shelley; Wasmuth, Sally; Wasmuth, Sally; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Fogel, Janine
    Out of the eight areas of occupation, social participation is a key pillar of health and wellbeing that can be unaddressed by healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists (OT). Older adults are at significant risk of social isolation and loneliness due to many psychosocial factors; however, older adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other identities (LGBTQ+) are at a greater risk of social isolation and loneliness at an alarming rate. Through a doctoral capstone project, the occupational therapy capstone student developed and implemented an eight-week social support group at an Indianapolis Gender Health clinic, with the purpose to facilitate increased social participation and connection amongst LGBTQ+ older adults. Additionally, aging-in-place elements were used as patient education material throughout the group. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale-Revised was utilized as an outcome measure to assess loneliness prior to the support group intervention and following sessions. Qualitative data, such as field notes, were also taken during the last session accompanied by post-group feedback. Responses indicated a moderately high level of loneliness amongst LGBTQ+ older adults who participated in the support group. Additionally, the level of loneliness remained unchanged. This project overall was received positively by group members to foster a sense of identity, inclusivity, and social connection. Additionally, this project adds to the existing LGBTQ+ and gender health programming to support occupational therapy’s role in addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.