Eudemonic Care: A Future Path for Occupational Therapy?

• Main Authors: Charlotte l. Royeen, Franklin Stein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Western Michigan University 2017-03-01
• Series: Open Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Subjects: eudemonia; quality of life
• Online Access: http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1301&context=ojot

The core tenets of occupational therapy date to ancient Greece. Philosophers and physicians alike promulgated that quality of life, or “eudemonia,” is at the center of both ethical and medical concern and can be attained through healthful engagement in meaningful occupation. In more recent times, there has been a strong call to return to the powerful implementation of the eudemonic moral philosophy in health care practice, especially in occupational therapy. Searches of recent occupational therapy research show that integration of wellness initiatives into rehabilitative treatment sessions can have a profound impact on the physical and emotional healthfulness of people with a wide variety of ailments. Accordingly, we put forth three self-reflection questions and 10 client-centered questions to use in occupational therapy assessment to promote eudemonic care.