When most people hear the word occupation, they immediately think of a job—a role tied to income, performance, and responsibility. But in the world of Occupational Therapy (OT), the term “occupation” reaches far beyond employment. It reflects every meaningful activity that gives shape, identity, and purpose to our lives. Occupation is not just about doing—it’s about being, belonging, and becoming, as occupational therapists often say. Whether it’s cooking a meal, caring for a pet, drawing a picture, or helping someone else—our occupations influence our physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being.
This blog post unpacks what occupation truly means in Occupational Therapy, drawing on the voices of leading thinkers such as Temple Grandin, Gary Kielhofner, Frank Kronenberg, and Michael Iwama. We’ll explore what occupation looks like across the lifespan and include real-life examples to show how deeply it impacts health, healing, and identity.
Table of Contents
What Is Occupation in Occupational Therapy?
The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) defines occupations as:
“The everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families, and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life.”
Occupations can include everything from dressing, eating, socializing, working, relaxing, learning, and playing—depending on what’s meaningful to the individual. They are:
- Purposeful – They matter to the person doing them.
- Contextual – Influenced by social, cultural, physical, and spiritual environments.
- Holistic – Encompass physical, emotional, cognitive, and social engagement.
- Essential to health – Occupation shapes identity, resilience, and recovery.
Dr. Gary Kielhofner, a key figure in occupational therapy theory and the creator of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), said:
“Humans are occupational beings, and when we engage in meaningful occupations, we are expressing our nature. When we are deprived of these opportunities, it can lead to dysfunction and diminished quality of life.”
Kielhofner emphasized that people find coherence, self-worth, and belonging through occupation—and that disruption to these can be just as harmful as a physical injury.
Occupation Is More Than Work
The everyday public still tends to conflate “occupation” with “job.” But in OT, your occupation could be your role as a parent, a student, a carer, an artist, or a pet owner. It may be a solo activity like gardening or a social one like mentoring. Some occupations are necessary for survival (like eating), while others sustain our spirit (like music or connection).
As Temple Grandin, renowned autism advocate and animal behaviorist, powerfully put it:
“Doing things that are constructive and give you a sense of accomplishment is what keeps you going. It’s what keeps people sane.” — Temple Grandin, in a talk on autism and meaningful activity.
For Temple, meaningful occupation was a bridge to communication, autonomy, and success in a world that didn’t always accommodate neurodivergent thinking. Her message resonates with anyone—neurodiverse or not—who has found self-understanding through what they do.
The Power of Meaningful Engagement
We don’t just do activities—we live through them. Occupation forms part of our daily rhythm gives our life structure and influences how we see ourselves and others.
Occupational Therapists often refer to Wilcock and Hocking’s framework of doing, being, becoming, and belonging to describe how humans relate to occupation:
- Doing – engaging in purposeful activity.
- Being – reflecting, existing, and living in the moment.
- Becoming – growing and developing toward our potential.
- Belonging – connecting with people, communities, and cultures.
According to Michael Iwama, creator of the Kawa (River) Model, occupation cannot be separated from the person’s life environment:
“The self does not exist independently but is inherently related to the social, cultural, and environmental context. Occupation, therefore, must be understood within the flow of life.” — Michael Iwama, The Kawa Model (2006)
Iwama’s work reminds us that occupation is not isolated—it flows with our roles, relationships, and cultural values. What feels meaningful to one person might not resonate with another, which is why OT must always be person-centred.
Case Study 1: Lucy’s Brush with Purpose
Lucy, a 68-year-old retired art teacher, suffered a stroke that affected her speech and dominant hand. Though she regained some mobility, she lost interest in daily life and expressed a deep sense of grief.
In therapy, Lucy revealed her lifelong love for painting. Though she could no longer paint as she once did, her OT helped her adapt techniques using her non-dominant hand, and introduced abstract art that let her express emotion without fine detail.
Soon, Lucy began painting again—and smiling more. She even started a small community art class at her local library.
Occupation became her therapy, her social connection, and her reclaiming of identity.
Occupation and Occupational Justice
The concept of Occupational Justice is central to modern OT. It means every individual has the right to engage in meaningful occupations that promote health and well-being, regardless of ability, age, background, or life situation.
Frank Kronenberg, co-author of Occupational Therapy Without Borders, challenged the profession to go beyond therapy rooms and promote equity:
“Occupation is a human right, not a luxury. When people are denied access to meaningful activities—whether through poverty, displacement, or discrimination—it affects their health just as surely as any physical illness.” — Frank Kronenberg
Occupational justice asks us to look at systems, not just symptoms. It’s about making sure marginalized people—refugees, the homeless, people with disabilities, and Indigenous communities—have the same access to meaningful roles and activities as anyone else.
Case Study 2: A Young Girl and a Pen
Mikaela, 14, recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, felt socially isolated. She found school overwhelming, especially during breaks. But she loved writing fantasy stories, and that passion became a turning point.
Her OT introduced her to a local youth writing group and prepared her with role-play scripts and sensory strategies. Over several months, she began sharing her stories and even read aloud at a community open mic.
Her occupation—creative writing—gave her a new sense of belonging and voice in the world.
Occupation Through the Lifespan
Occupational needs change as we age. But the need for meaning never fades.
Infancy and Childhood
- Play is a vital occupation, supporting learning, motor development, and social skills.
- OTs help children with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and fine motor challenges engage in school and play.
Adolescence
- Identity, social interaction, and skill-building are key.
- OTs support teens with executive functioning, social skills, and mental health.
Adulthood
- Work, caregiving, community roles, and self-care occupy this phase.
- Life transitions such as injury, parenthood, burnout, or job loss are common OT focus areas.
Older Adults
- Retirement, illness, or loss may disrupt meaningful roles.
- OTs promote aging in place, leisure engagement, memory support, and mobility.
Case Study 3: Daniel’s Civilian Life
Daniel, a 32-year-old veteran, returned from service with PTSD and felt aimless in civilian life. His OT helped him identify meaningful occupations that aligned with his values—leadership, physical activity, and peer support.
He began coaching youth sports and joined a veterans’ hiking group. This renewed sense of purpose drastically improved his mental health.
“I have something to wake up for again,” he said. “I feel like I matter.”
When Occupation Is Lost
Life doesn’t always allow us to engage in what’s meaningful. Illness, trauma, social injustice, and systemic barriers can rob us of our occupations.
OTs talk about:
- Occupational Deprivation – Being blocked from meaningful activity by external factors (e.g., poverty, prison, isolation).
- Occupational Imbalance – Too much of one occupation (e.g., work) and not enough of others (e.g., rest, play).
- Occupational Alienation – Doing activities that feel empty, imposed, or meaningless.
OTs work not just to restore function—but to restore meaning.
How OTs Help Reconnect You with Meaning
Occupational Therapists use a combination of assessments, goal setting, therapy, and collaboration to help people re-engage in occupations that matter. Depending on the need, they may:
Adapt environments or tools
- Teach new strategies for participation
- Build strength, coordination, or executive skills
- Facilitate group participation or community engagement
- Advocate for accessibility and inclusion
But most of all, they listen. They ask:
“What matters to you?”
Not: “What’s the matter with you?”
Reflection: What Are Your Occupations?
Pause and reflect on your own life:
- What gives your life purpose?
- Which activities make you feel like you?
- Are you spending enough time in occupations that energize and uplift you?
- What would life feel like if those activities were taken away?
Occupation is personal. It’s cultural. It’s vital.
As Gary Kielhofner said: “Without occupation, life is meaningless; with occupation, life has direction, purpose, and hope.”
Conclusion: Occupation Is a Right, a Need, and a Gift
In Occupational Therapy, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life full of meaning—through the roles, activities, and rhythms that bring them joy and connection.
Whether you’re helping a child learn to play, supporting a young adult through mental health recovery, or guiding an older adult toward independent living—occupation is the thread that ties it all together.
As Temple Grandin reminded us:
“People are the most fulfilled and happiest when they’re doing things that are productive and meaningful to them.”
In the end, your occupation isn’t just a job.
It’s your life’s canvas. What will you paint?
References
- Grandin, T. (2010). The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger’s. Future Horizons.
- Kielhofner, G. (2008). Model of Human Occupation: Theory and Application. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Iwama, M. (2006). The Kawa Model: Culturally Relevant Occupational Therapy. Elsevier.
- Kronenberg, F., Pollard, N., & Sakellariou, D. (Eds.). (2005). Occupational Therapy Without Borders: Learning from the Spirit of Survivors. Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
- Wilcock, A. A., & Hocking, C. (2015). An Occupational Perspective of Health. Slack Incorporated.
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). (2012). Definition of Occupational Therapy.
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