An exploration of occupational therapists’ perspectives of health and well-being: A Q Methodological study

Introduction: Despite the central role of occupational therapists in promoting health and well-being, there remains limited empirical research exploring how occupational therapists themselves conceptualise these constructs. This study examines how occupational therapists define and interpret health and well-being within their professional practice. Method: Using Q methodology, this study systematically explored and analysed the subjective viewpoints of 30 practising occupational therapists, enabling the identification of shared perspectives while retaining individual nuance. Results: Three distinct viewpoints were identified. These reflected occupation-centred, holistic understandings shaped by meaning and identity, structured, goal-oriented interpretations aligned with functional outcomes and service expectations and adaptive, routine based perspectives emphasising emotional resilience and everyday participation. Overall, findings demonstrate that occupational therapists hold multifaceted and contextually shaped conceptualisations of health and well-being, influenced by professional values, environments and experiences. Conclusion: This study offers recommendations to support the advancement of evidence-based occupational approaches to practice and professional development. It also highlights the need for continued exploration of the contextual and conceptual factors that influence how occupational therapists understand and promote health and well-being within contemporary practice settings.