Sally Wasmuth
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Dr. Sally Wasmuth is an occupational therapist and researcher whose work bridges the humanities and health sciences to promote recovery, equity, and justice. With academic training in African-American studies, philosophy of biology, and occupational therapy, her interdisciplinary approach informs a robust research agenda focused on occupation-based interventions for addiction and dual diagnosis. Dr. Wasmuth is nationally recognized for pioneering the use of theater as a therapeutic and educational tool. Her arts-based initiatives—developed in collaboration with Summit Performance Indianapolis and community stakeholders—use live performance to reduce stigma, address racial and gender disparities in healthcare, and foster dialogue around substance use and mental health. Her IDEAS (Identity Development Evolution and Sharing) program has been implemented to challenge implicit bias among healthcare providers and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. Through her innovative work, Dr. Wasmuth continues to advance occupational justice and community-engaged scholarship, creating spaces where storytelling becomes a vehicle for healing and systemic change.
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Item Military veterans' perspectives on using music to manage chronic pain: themes from the feasibility and acceptability of music imagery and listening interventions for analgesia study(Frontiers Media, 2025-08-06) Story, Kristin Maya; Wasmuth, Sally; Belkiewitz, Johanne M.; Whalen, Claire; Robb, Sheri L.; Bravata, Dawn M.; Bair, Matthew J.; Medicine, School of MedicineIntroduction: Chronic pain conditions are common in military veterans, often leading to disability, psychological distress and high healthcare utilization. An interdisciplinary approach, informed by a biopsychosocial model, is recommended for patients with chronic pain. Music-based interventions have shown improvements in patients with pain, but results are inconsistent and most studies have concentrated on acute pain and in-person delivery. Objective: The Feasibility and Acceptability of Music and Imagery for Analgesia (FAMILIA) explored the use of two telehealth delivered music interventions for chronic pain. As part of FAMILIA we conducted interviews to assess the veteran experience and acceptability of the music interventions. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with veterans who participated in either self-directed, independent music listening or a therapist-delivered music and imagery intervention in a three-arm randomized controlled trial. All interventions were conducted by board certified music therapists over a HIPAA approved telehealth platform. Interviews were conducted by team members who did not deliver the intervention and included questions about the intervention(s), delivery format, barriers and facilitators to study participation. Results: Sixteen interviews were recorded, transcribed, and deidentified for analysis. The research team identified ten themes, drawn from the veterans' experiences from pre to post intervention about the acceptability, motivation for joining, challenges, and perceived benefits of the telehealth-delivered music interventions. Conclusion: Veteran patients found FAMILIA acceptable and endorsed using music listening or music and imagery as a non-pharmacological support for management of chronic pain and accompanying psychological symptoms.Item Gender as Occupation: The "Doing" of Authentic Expression and Reciprocally Affirming Care for Transgender Individuals(WMU, 2023) DeRolf, Annie; Belkiewitz, Johnna; Wasmuth, Sally; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human SciencesThe current predominant view of gender as binary, alongside limited training of affirmative care practices, is severely and negatively impacting transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. This paper urges the re-conceptualization of gender as an occupation, suggesting that gender is a doing that allows for positive identity development, roles, habits, and routines. Doing gender facilitates meaning-making and the ability to engage in other occupations. However, occupational injustices rooted in discrimination, stigma, and/or implicit biases impede TGD people’s ability to engage in the doing of gender and other occupations. Articulation of conceptual guidelines and interventions to support TGD people’s ability to do gender and other occupations is a critical area of need in occupational therapy literature and practice. In accordance with the profession’s ethical mandate to promote occupational justice, it is critical that occupational therapists become educated and involved in providing affirmative services to support occupational participation for this population.Item Applying the Ecological Model of Human Performance and the SlutWalk Movement to Support those Affected by Rape Culture in the Context of Occupational Therapy(WMU, 2023) Klukken, Angela; Wasmuth, Sally; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human SciencesImproving the occupational lives of others is at the heart of occupational therapy practice. Advocacy for clientele is central to this improvement, both at individual and structural levels. We argue that interventions in the Ecological Model of Human Performance (EHP) and the social movement theSlutWalk can offer increased opportunity for occupational therapists to address the harmful implications for clients affected by sexual assault and rape culture. In addition, through the principles of the EHP and the SlutWalk, we propose that occupational therapists can have a hand in eradicating the culture that facilitates and tolerates sexual violence. This paper highlights the barriers women and sexual assault survivors may face to equitable occupational participation, where occupational therapists may establish/restore, alter, create, prevent, and adapt intervention approaches in the client’s context to elicit optimal engagement in meaningful activity.Item Bridging the Humanities and Health Care With Theatre: Theory and Outcomes of a Theatre-Based Model for Enhancing Psychiatric Care via Stigma Reduction(APA, 2022-12-22) Wasmuth, Sally; Pritchard, Kevin T.; Belkiewitz , Johnna; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human SciencesObjective: This article describes the rational, methods, implementation, and effectiveness of Identity Development Evolution and Sharing (IDEAS), an evidence-supported, narrative theater-based training that reduces stigma among health care providers to increase health care equity in psychiatric rehabilitation. Method: The IDEAS model has been used to reduce provider bias toward patients. From May 2017 to January 2020, we interviewed people from three patient groups who have been harmed by stigma, including Black women, transgender, and gender-diverse people, and people with substance use disorders. These interviews informed the creation of three theatrical scripts that were performed by professional actors for audiences of health care providers from January 2020 to May 2022. The performances aimed to raise conscious awareness of implicit provider biases and to provide a reflective opportunity to ameliorate these biases. The purpose of IDEAS is to improve experiences in health care settings such as psychiatric rehabilitation of patients from groups who have been harmed by stigma. We used paired-samples t tests to compare pre/postprovider stigma, measured via the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Stigma (AAQ-S). Results: Sociodemographic factors for providers who viewed IDEAS were similar across all three performances. IDEAS significantly decreased AAQ-S scores (t = 11.32, df = 50, M = 13.65, 95% confidence limit: [11.32, 15.97], p < .0001). Conclusions and implications for practice: IDEAS reduces provider stigma to support positive clinical encounters with diverse patient populations. These findings are relevant for psychiatric rehabilitation settings, which seek to establish positive rapport between providers and patients.Item A developmental formative evaluation of a pilot participatory music program for veterans with housing insecurity(BMC, 2023-08-19) Wasmuth, Sally; Rattray, Nicholas A.; Cheng, Phillip; Crow, Shannon; Myers, Jennifer; Burns, Debra S.; Myers, Laura J.; Hook, Brittany; Lustig, Anne; Perkins, Anthony J.; Cheatham, Ariel J.; Bravata, Dawn M.; Medicine, School of MedicineBackground: Interventions are needed to improve well-being and promote community reintegration among Veterans with housing insecurity. The objective was to conduct a developmental formative evaluation of a participatory music program. Methods: This single-site, pilot study implemented a participatory music program at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Domiciliary that included one-hour sessions (group music instruction and ensemble playing), 3 times per week for 3 months. Intervention development was guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Evaluation was guided by the MOHO and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Evaluation (CFIR). Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews from participants and non-participants, and were analyzed using an interdisciplinary, constant comparison qualitative analysis technique. Results: Sixteen program participants and 8 non-participants were enrolled, age range 26-59 (mean 41; standard deviation, 11) years; 75% were White. The sample for this study (N = 12) included five participants and seven non-participants. Semi-structured interview responses produced three salient themes illuminating Veterans' perspectives: (1) key characteristics of the intervention (the relative advantage of the participatory program over other problem-focused programs; the importance of a supportive, encouraging teaching; the group setting; the role of music); (2) the therapeutic power of the program (based on it being enjoyable; and serving as an escape from preoccupations); and (3) the context and culture (which included Veterans supporting each other and the Domiciliary setting). Conclusions: Veterans described the benefits of a participatory music intervention compared to problem-based groups, which included enjoyment, skill acquisition facilitating pride, escape, reconnecting with their identity prior to current problems, and experiencing positive aspects of Veteran culture such as mutual support and discipline. These data support ongoing research about participatory music programs to support Veterans with housing insecurity.Item Teaching pursed-lip breathing through music: MELodica Orchestra for DYspnea (MELODY) trial rationale and protocol(Taylor & Francis, 2020-10-16) McGrath, Mackenzie; Smith, Joseph; Rattray, Nicholas A.; Lillie, Aimee; Crow, Shannon; Myers, Laura J.; Myers, Jennifer; Perkins, Anthony J.; Wasmuth, Sally; Burns, Debra S.; Cheatham, Ariel J.; Patel, Himalaya; Bravata, Dawn M.; Medicine, School of MedicineBackground Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly experience dyspnea, which may limit activities of daily living. Pursed-lip breathing improves dyspnea for COPD patients; however, access to pursed-lip breathing training is limited. Methods The proposed MELodica Orchestra for DYspnea (MELODY) study will be a single-site pilot study to assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a music-based approach to teach pursed-lip breathing. Patients with COPD and moderate-severe dyspnea are randomized to intervention, education-control, or usual care control groups. Intervention patients meet twice weekly for eight weeks for melodica instruction, group music-making, and COPD education. Safety, feasibility, and efficacy is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results This manuscript describes the rationale and methods of the MELODY pilot project. Conclusions If pilot data demonstrate efficacy, then a multi-site randomized control trial will be conducted to evaluate program effectiveness and implementation.Item The use of peer support groups for emergency physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic(Wiley, 2023-02-19) Nault Connors, Jill; Thornsberry, Tanner; Hayden, Julie; Kroenke, Kurt; Monahan, Patrick O.; Draucker, Claire; Wasmuth, Sally; Kelker, Heather; Whitehead, Anne; Welch, Julie; Surgery, School of MedicineObjective: To test the feasibility, receptivity, and preliminary effectiveness of peer support groups for emergency medicine physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and gain a better understanding of their experiences with peer support. Methods: This pilot study used a quasi-experimental design to assess change in symptoms of distress, anxiety, depression and burn-out before and after participating in a virtual, group-based peer support intervention for a duration of 8 weeks. Pre-post change analyses were performed using two-sided, paired t tests. Feasibility was measured by attendance data to demonstrate the use of the intervention. Receptivity was measured using a global change rating and net promoter score at the end of each session and 8-week period, respectively. During the final session, qualitative data on physician experience was collected and then analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Twenty-four emergency medicine physicians participated in the pilot study. The attendance goal was met by 20 (24, 83%) physicians and 19 (22, 86%) physicians reported they would recommend peer support groups to a friend of colleague. Positive standardized response mean effect sizes indicated modest improvement in nine of 12 symptom measurements with marginal significance (p < 0.10) for improvement in guilt [20, Effect Size (ES) = 0.45] and depression (21, ES = 0.39). Qualitative findings revealed high overall benefit with few adverse impacts of participation. Conclusions: Results demonstrate high physician receptivity, feasibility, and benefit from participation in peer support groups. Promising signs of improvement in distress, anxiety, depression, and burn out symptoms warrant additional studies with larger sample sizes and more robust research designs to establish the evidence base for peer support in the physician population.Item Narrative Theater to Examine and Mitigate Anti-Black Racism Within Occupational Therapy(Sage, 2023) Wasmuth, Sally; Milton, Cierra; Pritchard, Kevin; Johnson, Khalilah R.; Wakeford, Linn; Caldwell, Breonna; Peak, Kierra; Briggeman, Lauren; Johnson, Kelsey; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human SciencesTheater has long-standing roots in social justice and holds promise for reducing racist attitudes and behaviors. Objectives of this study were to (a) collect and theatrically portray narratives from Black occupational therapy students and practitioners to a national audience and (b) examine the impact of the theatrical performance on anti-Black racism among attendees. The Identity Development Evolution and Sharing (IDEAS) model guided translation of narratives into a filmed performance. Paired t-test of pre/post administration of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–Stigma (AAQ-S) measured changes in stigma beliefs. Qualitative thematic analysis of an open-ended post-survey question elucidated experiences of the performance. The performance engendered significant decreases in stigma; qualitative data elucidated potential mechanisms of change. This study provides insight into experiences of anti-Black racism within occupational therapy and offers a promising means for occupational therapists to engage in anti-Black racism.Item Feasibility and Acceptability of Music Imagery and Listening Interventions for Analgesia: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial(JMIR Publications, 2022-09-22) Story, Kristin M.; Bravata, Dawn M.; Robb, Sheri L.; Wasmuth, Sally; Slaven, James E.; Whitmire, Leah; Barker, Barry; Menen, Tetla; Bair, Matthew J.; Medicine, School of MedicineBackground: Chronic pain and access to care are identified as critical needs of the Veterans Health Administration. Music imagery and music listening interventions have shown promise as effective nonpharmacological options for pain management. However, most studies have focused on acute pain, passive music experiences, and in-person delivery. Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of 2 music interventions delivered through telehealth for chronic musculoskeletal pain, trial design, and theoretical model before conducting a fully powered efficacy or comparative effectiveness trial. Methods: FAMILIA (Feasibility and Acceptability of Music Imagery and Listening Interventions for Analgesia) is a 3-arm, parallel group, pilot trial. A total of 60 veterans will be randomized to one of the three conditions: music imagery, music listening, or usual care. Aim 1 is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent, interactive music imagery intervention (8-weekly, individual sessions) and a single-component, minimally interactive music learning intervention (independent music listening). Feasibility metrics related to recruitment, retention, engagement, and completion of the treatment protocol and questionnaires will be assessed. Up to 20 qualitative interviews will be conducted to assess veteran experiences with both interventions, including perceived benefits, acceptability, barriers, and facilitators. Interview transcripts will be coded and analyzed for emergent themes. Aim 2 is to explore the effects of music imagery and music listening versus usual care on pain and associated patient-centered outcomes. These outcomes and potential mediators will be explored through changes from baseline to follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 4 months. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe outcomes; this pilot study is not powered to detect differences in outcomes. Results: Recruitment for FAMILIA began in March 2022, and as of July 2022, 16 participants have been enrolled. We anticipate that enrollment will be completed by May 2023. We expect that music imagery and music listening will prove acceptable to veterans and that feasibility benchmarks will be reached. We hypothesize that music imagery and music listening will be more effective than usual care on pain and related outcomes. Conclusions: FAMILIA addresses four limitations in music intervention research for chronic pain: limited studies in veterans, evaluation of a multicomponent music intervention, methodological rigor, and internet-based delivery. Findings from FAMILIA will inform a fully powered trial to identify putative mechanisms and test efficacy.Item “Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy” (MERIT) for the Occupational Therapy Practitioner(Sage, 2022) Wasmuth, Sally; Horsford, Caitlin; Mahaffey, Lisa; Lysaker, Paul H.; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human SciencesBackground: Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) is a manualized, evidence-based approach that supports occupational participation through its focus on the inter-related constructs of meaning making, positionality, and self-definition (Lysaker et al., 2020). MERIT's core tenets parallel the fundamentals of occupational therapy, making it an ideal guiding methodology for mental health occupational therapy practice. Purpose: We outline key constructs of MERIT and detail how occupational therapy practitioners can apply MERIT to support occupational engagement. Key Issues: Few manualized, evidence-based interventions exist to guide occupational therapy mental health practice (Kirsch et al., 2019). Detailing MERIT and its application in occupational therapy is an important first step in future studies of its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in this context. Implications: MERIT provides a clear methodology for delivering mental health occupational therapy services that is amenable to large-scale hybrid implementation and effectiveness studies, thereby supporting practice and rigour in research.