Browsing by Author "Stephenson, Sally"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Addressing Functional Cognition During Acute Psychiatric Hospitalization
    (2025-05) Stephenson, Sally; DeRolf, Annie Laurie; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; McFadden, Rachel
    Serious mental illness (SMI) often presents with cognitive impairments that significantly impact occupational performance and quality of life. Occupational therapists (OTs) possess the training to address functional cognition, yet their role in acute psychiatric settings remains underdeveloped and ambiguous. This doctoral capstone project aimed to identify and implement evidence-based OT assessments and interventions to address functional cognition among inpatients with SMI at Eskenazi Health’s Mental Health Recovery Center (MHRC). Guided by an integrated Occupational Adaptation (OA) and Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) framework, the student conducted a narrative review and synthesized findings into clinical practice over a 14-week experience. Weekly field notes outlining treatment approaches informed a discussion of practice implications in the context of evidence-based findings. Outcome measures were implemented to assess metacognition, insight, and judgment, while occupation-based interventions were used to improve participation and well-being through the development of metacognitive awareness, self-reflection, executive functioning, and social cognition. Results support the inclusion of functional cognitive assessment and intervention in acute psychiatric OT services and highlight the value of metacognitive and occupation-based approaches in promoting recovery for patients with SMI. Continued research, theory development, program advancement, and professional advocacy for OT’s role in mental health is warranted to advance quality of care and improve long-term outcomes for individuals with SMI.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    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.