Occupational therapists' perceptions of habits based on their professional experiences.
BACKGROUND
Habits are building blocks for occupation. If they are not explicitly approached, a vital aspect of occupation may be left out. Knowledge is lacking about how habits are understood and approached in occupational therapy practice.


OBJECTIVE
To explore occupational therapists' perceptions of habits based on their professional experiences.


METHODS
A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was used. The qualitative data analysis was based on five focus group discussions, including 34 occupational therapists.


RESULTS
An overarching theme, 'the complexity of habits,' representing the occupational therapists' perception of habits, covers the content of three categories: 'reflecting contradictoriness,' including different forms of ambiguity that characterize habits, 'reflecting identity and security', that emphasize the meaning of habits for identity and structure in everyday life, and 'reflecting context and society', comprising perceptions of habits related to the life situation, time and social patterns and environment.


CONCLUSIONS
The occupational therapists' perceptions gave a picture of habits as complex systems. Based on the findings, the therapeutic modes used when approaching clients' habits should involve more explicit attention to habits and the inclusion of the client's entire context.
a Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Occupational Therapy, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
Lena
L
Mårtensson
a Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Occupational Therapy, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
Birgitha
B
Archenholtz
D017144:Focus Groups; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D000072087:Occupational Therapists / Q000523:psychology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification
Concept; focus groups; occupational therapy; practice; qualitative research; routines