title: Occupational Therapy Students' Perceptions of Spirituality in Training.
abstract: Spirituality is recognized as an essential and integral component of a holistic approach in occupational therapy practice. However, little is known about occupational therapy students' perceptions regarding spirituality in learning context. This study used qualitative exploratory, descriptive design to explore the occupational therapy students' perceptions about spirituality in training. Using purposive sampling, four semi-structured interviews were conducted with two students, a lecturer and an occupational therapist. In addition, two focus groups were conducted with students in order to collect data. Data collected were audio-taped; transcribed and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. The analysis resulted in emergence of four themes: "Unique to every individual," "Spirituality in occupational therapy," "To be or not to be taught," and "The Real world." Participants perceived spirituality as an individually experienced. The study contributes to the body of knowledge base of occupational therapy education regarding spirituality. However, there is a need for guidelines to integrate spirituality in occupational therapy training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa. tmthembu@uwc.ac.za.
authors.forename: Thuli Godfrey
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Mthembu
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Firdous
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Thembi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nkuna
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Khalipha
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yaca
mesh_terms: D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013019:South Africa; D029181:Spirituality; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Occupational therapy; Perception; Spirituality; Students; Training