Browsing by Author "Larson, Sydney"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Adolescent Substance Use and Occupational Therapy Interventions: A Rapid Systematic Review
    (2021-05-05) Byrn, Hannah; Davila, Danielle; Green, Samantha; Kendall, Mary; Larson, Sydney; Prentice, Alexandra; Chase, Anthony; Petrenchik, Terry; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences
    This rapid systematic review analyzes the evidence for substance use reduction through therapeutic interventions and activities in adolescents between the ages of 13-25, along with the potential for implementation in the field of occupational therapy. Adolescents with substance use disorders (SUDs) often have specific challenges regarding their family interactions, cultural beliefs, school engagement, and community support. It can be difficult for adolescents with SUDs to successfully navigate their ever changing lives, as they may also present with comorbid psychiatric conditions. It is noted that throughout this review, many interventions were the first of their kind and focused on targeting adolescents within the contexts of their environment. Many studies utilized specific techniques aimed at improving adolescents’ intrinsic beliefs regarding their substance use. Overall, low to moderate evidence was found for the effectiveness of various interventions to reduce adolescent substance use. More exhaustive research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of these interventions, as many were done in very specific settings with very individualized populations. Moreover, occupational therapists should be cautious before implementation into practice, as none of the studies evaluated explicitly examined the role of occupational therapy. More investigation is required to determine how these interventions can be applied to the field of occupational therapy.
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    Application of a Model of Family-Centered Harm Reduction in Community-Based Programming
    (WMU, 2023) Belkiewitz, Johnna; Wilburn, Victoria G.; Larson, Sydney; Schrader, Kate; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences
    Coupling high substance use disorder rates with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation faces a growing mental health crisis and a shortage of adequately trained mental and behavioral health providers. As occupational therapists work toward recognition as qualified providers in this practice area, we must ensure that future therapists can meet client needs. Traditional mental and behavioral health educational practices in occupational therapy use a model of harm reduction that minimizes negative outcomes for a select subset of the population engaging in specific “high-risk” behaviors, such as individuals engaging in substance use and sexual activity. Expanding our understanding of the harm reduction model and incorporating a more holistic trauma-informed care lens can better ensure beneficence for all clients. To do this, educational institutions must train students to identify harm in all of its contexts, such as the household dysfunction of cohabitating with a family member with substance use disorder, and apply practical treatments for addressing the impacts of dynamic family systems through occupation-based interventions. This paper illustrates a family-centered harm reduction model and offers a community-based educational intervention that allows occupational therapy students to gain valuable trauma-informed care practice skills through hands-on experiences.
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    A Clothing Group for Adolescents with Eating Disorders: A Role for Occupational Therapy
    (2023) Larson, Sydney; Wasmuth, Sally; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Weesner, Valerie
    Eating disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions and can have a long-term impact, disrupting the cardiac system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, cognitive functions, and many other systems of the body. In addition to the physical impacts, eating disorders effect occupational functioning, roles and routines, social participation, and often accompany other mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. Occupational therapists have a unique and valuable role in eating disorder recovery and mental health. Increased efforts of advocacy are needed to bolster the presence of occupational therapy in this area of practice. This capstone student assisted with the development of a clothing group within the adolescent intensive outpatient program at a local center for eating disorders. This group addresses the relationship with clothing and how clothes can be used to portray elements of identity, culture, and expression as opposed to this expression being controlled by negative body image or self-esteem. In addition to clothing group development, this capstone project advocated for the role of occupational therapy in eating disorder recovery.