title: Reading fiction during sick leave, a multidimensional occupation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In bibliotherapy, the therapeutic gains of reading fiction are ascribed to the literature. Viewing reading fiction as an occupation may give other explanations of its therapeutic function.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of reading fiction among women during a period of sick leave.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative approach was applied. Eight women who had been reading fiction during sick leave were interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An overarching theme: Supporting one's active self, comprised five categories of experiences: a prospect of ordinary life, a place of refuge, a life together with others, a source of power, and as supporting an active life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the categories, reading fiction is seen to comprise intentional, functional, mental, relational, and personal dimensions. A tentative model of supporting one's active self is proposed, which may be helpful in clarifying the mechanisms of the process of change. The health-related dimensions of reading fiction suggest that reading fiction should be regarded as a significant occupation comparable with other, more highlighted ones. Understood in this way, it is argued that the results add to the knowledge base in occupational therapy focusing on how meaningful occupations connect to occupational life trajectories.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Occupational Therapy, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University , Göteborg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mårtensson
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Andersson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003863:Depression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008091:Literature; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D009790:Occupations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011859:Radiography; D011932:Reading; D020377:Self Efficacy; D018582:Sick Leave; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Bibliotherapy; occupational dimensions; qualitative research