Client’s Experiences of Occupational Therapy Group Interventions in Mental Health Settings: A Meta-Ethnography

Abstract

Occupational therapy interventions in mental health settings are often delivered to groups. This meta-ethnography synthesizes existing qualitative literature on clients’ experiences of occupational therapy interventions in mental health service settings to determine factors that influence the occupational therapy experience. A model illustrating clients’ group occupational therapy experiences was constructed by the authors using Noblit and Hare’s seven phases of meta-ethnography. Through participation in occupational therapy groups, clients undergo transformative learning, leading to enhanced self-esteem, a sense of belonging, the development of skills, and the experience of positive emotions. Situations negatively experienced by clients are also discussed.