Leisure Occupations Research Articles

Using time diaries to inform occupational therapy practice for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An exploratory study

Introduction: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome affects an individual’s occupational participation. There is little understanding in Australia of occupational interventions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. This study explored how Australian adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome use their time and whether the National Institute of Health Activity Record can inform occupational interventions. Method: Using a convergent mixed method, nine participants completed the National Institute of Health Activity Record time diary and five survey questions exploring clinical utility and the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for time-use data and an inductive thematic analysis for survey responses. Results/Findings: Participants (aged 29–59 years) reported 58% of their time was spent awake and in recreation and leisure occupations. Quantitative data reflected no statistically significant change in participants’ symptoms, performance and motivation throughout the day. Six themes emerged from the qualitative data that highlighted participants’ experiences completing the National Institute of Health Activity Record and the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome on their time-use. Conclusion and Relevance: The National Institute of Health Activity Record provided insights into a participant’s time-use, which could inform occupational interventions. Modifying the National Institute of Health Activity Record format would improve usability for participants and reduce time for completion. Discussing results and extending the data collection period may capture the impact and fluctuations of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome more accurately.

Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Autistic People Across the Lifespan.

Occupational therapy practitioners need evidence to support interventions that promote subjective well-being among autistic people and their families through optimal engagement and participation in occupations. These Practice Guidelines are informed by systematic reviews to expand knowledge of interventions that promote access, inclusion, engagement, and optimal participation in occupations that are meaningful to autistic people. Our intent was to foster occupational therapy practitioners' clinical decision-making and reasoning when working with autistic people and their care partners. These Practice Guidelines were developed on the basis of four systematic reviews, supporting evidence and literature, along with continued revisions and integration through an iterative and collaborative process. A total of 98 articles were included in the systematic reviews, which are the foundation for practice recommendations in these guidelines. Forty-eight of the systematic review articles were used to inform the clinical recommendations included in these Practice Guidelines. Strong to moderate evidence indicates the need for multidisciplinary, goal-oriented interventions to support autistic people in different contexts. Although there is only emerging evidence in the inclusion of autistic people's strengths, interests, and perspectives to guide occupational therapy interventions, such practices can enhance the delivery of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices. In addition, evidence is needed to support participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic youths. We recommend the use of strengths-based language to describe autistic people and the use of environmental adaptations, care partner education, and coaching to enhance occupational therapy service delivery. Plain-Language Summary: The literature is sparse regarding neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices for autistic youths, as well as for participation in activities of daily living (ADLs). These Practice Guidelines provide new information on positive mental health development; self-determination; ADLs, instrumental ADLs, play, and leisure occupations for children, adolescents, and adults; person-centered planning for adolescents and adults; and rest and sleep. Information on health management is also provided. Positionality Statement: This article uses the identity-first language autistic people. This nonableist language describes their strengths and abilities and is a conscious decision. This language is favored by autistic communities and self-advocates and has been adopted by health care professionals and researchers (Bottema-Beutel etal., 2021; Kenny etal., 2016). However, we respect the use of person-first language and have made a conscious decision to include research articles that have used this language.

Promoting health through yarncraft: Experiences of an online knitting group living with mental illness

ABSTRACT This study explored how people living with mental illness describe their experiences of knitting as a leisure occupation and whether knitting can create value and meaning and promote well-being. A qualitative design was used, based on the netnographic LiLEDDA method. Data, consisting of 600 posts, were collected from the internet, cleaned according to the LiLEDDA method, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings showed that knitting is ‘A way towards health’, indicating that knitting is a way to feel better and achieve a sense of competence; ‘A way to slow down’, indicating that knitting is a way to focus; and ‘A way of being occupied’, indicating that knitting affects the structure and balance of daily life and can be performed socially as well as non-socially. The knitters perceived knitting as a highly valued occupation that promotes health in both the short and long-term. Knitting contributed to an occupational identity and a sense of belonging, and the knitted products were rewarding for the knitter. Further studies about these transformative experiences and meanings for other people, and whether other creative occupations can generate the same experiences, is warranted.

Occupational Therapy’s Role in Return to Occupations Post-Concussion in High School Athletes

Aim This study was designed to explore experiences of high school athletes in order to understand their occupational engagement after sustaining a sports-related concussion. The study explored the role occupational therapists (OTs) can play in post-concussion care while supporting adolescents in returning to meaningful occupations. Methods The study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological approach by conducting interviews with high school athletes to understand their participation in occupations during recovery. Six student-athletes from 14–18 years of age were interviewed. Results The five identified themes from the study included impacts on ADL performance, school performance, sleep, mental health, and driver safety. Student-athletes reported feelings of loneliness and loss of identity. Dressing, showering, grooming, and driving were disturbed due to balance deficits, headaches, and nausea. Participants reported decreased participation in social, sports, and leisure occupations due to heightened symptoms. Conclusions Due to the considerable variability of disturbance in occupational participation post-concussion, occupational therapists can assist in creating and implementing individualized treatment plans to support high school athletes while recovering from a sports-related concussion.

Hanging Out as a Meaningful Occupation

Background: College students undergo a developmental transition from adolescence to adulthood, which can be challenging and make them more vulnerable to mental health problems. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the benefits of hanging out as a meaningful leisure occupation to deal with stress in college students and how hanging out can improve the mental health and well-being of college students. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was applied. Data were collected using Focused Group Discussion with eight students who hanging out regularly 1-2 times a week. Results: There were two themes identified in this study: The first theme is hanging out meaningful leisure occupation with three sub-themes namely students’ perception of hanging out, hanging out as leisure among students, and benefits of hanging out as a meaningful leisure occupation. the second theme was the impact of hanging out on students with two sub-themes namely the impact of hanging out on student mental health and the impact of hanging out on student well-being. Conclusion: Hanging out provides many benefits for students, especially to reduce academic stress, and hanging out can have a positive impact on students' mental health and well-being.

Which Occupations Did People Engage in during Lockdown? A European Cross-Sectional Descriptive Survey by Generation.

The primary objective was to describe the occupations people engaged in more frequently during lockdown than before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as a function of generation. The secondary objectives were to (i) describe the levels of importance, performance, and satisfaction for these occupations and (ii) identify factors affecting the levels of importance, performance, and satisfaction. We conducted an online, cross-sectional survey of young adults (YAs, aged 18-39), middle-aged adults (MAs, aged 40-59), and older adults (OAs, aged 60 or over). 2534 participants (YAs: 47%, MAs: 33%, and OAs: 20%) cited 4500 occupations. The occupations in which people most engaged were leisure occupations (67%), followed by productive occupations (31%) and then self-care (2%) occupations. YAs gave a median (interquartile range) importance score of 8 (6; 9) to leisure, 8 (7; 10) to productivity, and 8 (7; 10) to self-care. MAs gave a median importance score of 8 (6; 10) to leisure, 8 (7; 10) to productivity, and 8 (7; 10) to self-care. OAs gave a median importance score of 8 (7; 10) to leisure, 8 (7; 9) to productivity, and 9 (8; 10) to self-care. In a pre-/postlockdown comparison, the changes in performance scores among YAs were +5 (3; 6) for leisure, +4 (2; 5) for productivity, and +4 (3; 6) for self-care. Among MAs, these changes were, respectively, +4 (3; 6), +3 (2; 5), and +4.5 (3; 6). Among OAs, these changes were, respectively, +3 (1; 5) for leisure, +3 (2; 5) for productivity, and +2 (0; 4) for self-care. The changes in satisfaction scores among YAs were +3 (0; 5) for leisure, +3 (0; 5) for productivity, and +3 (1; 6) for self-care. Among MAs, these changes were, respectively, +3 (0; 5), +2 (0; 4), and +5 (0; 6). Among OAs, these changes were, respectively, +2 (0; 4), +2 (0; 4), and +2 (0; 4). Lockdown led to stronger engagements in quiet leisure and alternative forms of socialization. Occupational therapists may have a role in helping community-dwelling people to balance and structure their new daily routine.

Exploring the occupational experiences of livestock farmers during drought: A narrative inquiry.

For much of the 21st century, Australia has endured the most prolonged and severe drought since records began. This drought has been found to have negative and long-lasting consequences upon both the physical and mental well-being of farmers and their families. To date, however, no research has examined the experience of drought from an occupational perspective. This study aims to explore the way in which drought impacts upon the lived experience of the farming role and the way in which the occupational identity of farmers influences the meanings attributed, and response to, drought. Narrative inquiry and thematic analysis were used to explore the experiences of drought among six farming men and four farming women from Northern Queensland. Four inter-related themes were identified. These being: 'Becoming a farmer - Rites of passage on entry to the farming role'; 'Farmers as guardians over the land'; 'Drought as siege' and; 'Leisure occupations as temporary bridges to a world beyond drought'. Each of these themes offer insights into the way in which drought comes to be understood by farmers and, in turn, experienced and responded to. By better understanding the occupational experiences of farmers during drought, resources can be more effectively targeted towards promoting occupational balance and well-being. Interventions aimed at reframing the way in which the farming role is conceptualised from a young age and supporting occupations beyond farming as bridges to the outside world may be effective in achieving positive outcomes during drought.

The problem of access to privately owned lands during the exercise of the right to hunting

It has always been known to each of us that since the appearance of the human being, the most important and first source of existence for the primitive people was the food acquired by hunting. What is true, it has turned with time out of human necessity into their occupation, an activity called - hunting, and nowadays it has reduced to the status of a leisure occupation, a hobby, a fashionable occupation of rich people. Obviously, taking into account the importance of the fauna of hunting interest for the environment and society, the need for legal regulation of the hunting field was felt, where clear rules are established for the subjects interested in this activity, and as a consequence, also specific competences for those who were to supervise the observance of the legislation in hunting matters. Although initially, regarding the lands that are the object of the hunting fund, the issue of ownership over them was not discussed, later it was found by some that passing through privately owned lands for the purpose of hunting, is a violation of the rights and interests of the owners. Respectively, whether or not this is a violation of the rights of the land owners or maybe it is an obstruction of the rights of the hunters, remains an open problem in front of doctrinaires and practitioners who require complex research.

Associations between daily routines and social support among women with chronic fatigue syndrome

Background Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by extreme fatigue, as well as physical and cognitive symptoms. CFS is thrice as prevalent in women than in men. Objective To compare women with and without CFS concerning social support and participation in daily routine occupations, and to assess the relationships between the two variables among women with CFS. Methods This study included 110 women aged 24–69: 41 were diagnosed with CFS and 64 were not diagnosed with CFS. Participants completed the Occupational Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey. Results Women with CFS reported lower participation in instrumental activities of daily living and work occupations than women without CFS. However, they spend more time resting and enjoying it. In addition, they reported less social support than women without CFS. Positive correlations were found between the number of close friends and time spent in play and leisure occupations and a negative correlation with sleep/rest. Conclusions Women with CFS participate less in IADL and work occupations and more in rest/sleep than women without CFS and their social support is attenuated. Significance Intervention plans should be developed for women with CFS, focussing on expanding their participation while considering their social support resources.

Analysis Regarding the Organizaţion, Establishment, Maintenance and Harvesting of Sea Bunckthorn in Plantation

Abstract Romania brings its contribution to the European Union through a valuable heritage, with numerous species of plants and animals, some endemic and relict, among them medicinal plants and those with high nutritional value. Romania’s geographical position and climate have always offered special conditions for favourable for the culture of fruit trees and shrubs. Around towns, in familiar gardens, in small spaces around buildings, on walls and trellises, the cultivation of various species of trees and shrubs is a leisure occupation and a source of fruit supply. Fruit trees and shrubs in parks, around houses, on roads and alignments, in addition to aesthetics and fruit production, contribute to improving the climate, preventing and combating environmental pollution. Hippophaë rhamnoides-Sea buckthorn is a shrub of particular importance, found both in spontaneous flora and in controlled cultures. In Romania, sea buckthorn grows spontaneously in the Subcarpathian area of Moldova and Muntenia. Depending on the place where it is planted, sea buckthorn can grow as a shrub or tree at a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m, or even more. In arid areas it can become creeping, being an adaptation to environmental conditions. Sea buckthorn is used in food, medicine, animal feed and forestry. Used in agriculture, buckthorn has a very important role in increasing the winter resistance of bees. From a nutritional point of view, sea buckthorn has a high content of minerals, vitamins, oils, acids and unsaturated fats, present in the fruits and leaves. Sea buckthorn fruits have a high content of vitamin E, C and carotenoids with strong oxidative action, which slow down aging. Sea buckthorn oil relieves light medication, heals wounds and skin lesions, burns and speeds up the healing process Considering the special valences in maintaining health and treating some ailments, we must take care of this natural wealth of Romania - buckhorn, and we must not consider it inexhaustible, in order not to disappear especially from the spontaneous flora before our eyes.

A Sensory Gaze into Embodied, Material and Emplaced Meanings

Abstract Creative leisure occupations, such as arts and crafts, can give rise to meaningfulness. To date, much of what is known about meaningful occupations relates to verbalised meanings. This article assumes a sensory gaze to examine the tangible creative leisure occupations of three women in midlife. A sensory ethnographic approach comprising participant observation, a reflexive ethnography diary, and photo elicitation was augmented by semi-structured interviews, revealing the ways that meaningfulness is felt and sensed in the body through emplaced interactions with nonhuman elements: materials, objects, space and time. The findings provide fresh insights into embodied and emplaced experiences of meaningfulness in occupation in the context of meaningful ageing, illustrating how meaningfulness in occupation goes beyond what can be experienced or expressed in words, spanning both tangible and intangible themes.

The functions of leisure in later life: bridging individual- and community-level perspectives

Abstract Leisure participation in older age has principally been researched from individual-level theoretical perspectives that view leisure as reflecting adaptations to ageing-related losses and change. Recent orientations to later-life leisure participation, such as innovation theory, emphasise positive developmental aspects and uses of older individuals' leisure pursuits, driven by personal agency. Moreover, the potential of later-life leisure activities to contribute to community is conceptualised in social capital theory perspectives that bridge individual- and community-level functions of leisure participation. This paper presents findings from qualitative thematic analysis of oral histories on leisure conducted with 58 persons aged 60 and over in rural south-west England, to examine the personal uses and functions of their leisure occupations in older age, and the role that these activities play in connecting older individuals to their communities. While participants described lifetime patterns of leisure characterised by a core set of activities and interests, later life was a period of leisure transitions in which they actively used new and continuing pastimes to adapt to changing personal circumstances, abilities and aspirations. The findings also demonstrate how participants' leisure activities – ranging from avidly pursued hobbies to formal volunteering – served individual adaptive and developmental purposes, and were a means of fostering social connectivity and contributing to rural community life. Implications of these findings are discussed in regard to leisure theory, policy and practice. This paper adds to the literature on ageing and leisure by identifying the benefits of examining older persons' leisure participation from a combined conceptual perspective that can elucidate its functions at both the micro- and meso-levels of society.

Dyspnea Management in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Occupation-Based Interventions

Demand for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners is increasing to help the growing population of adults with chronic conditions. Dyspnea, the feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, is the primary reason patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) seek medical services. The case report focused on occupation-based OT interventions for an 84-year-old female suffering from COPD for the past 20 years. She was a homemaker, and her main symptoms were dyspnea and weakness that affected her sleep, leisure, and self-care task participation. The patient had consulted for ten OT sessions, including the follow-up. The interventions used were participation in leisure occupation, dyspnea management using controlled breathing and energy conservation techniques, aerobic training to promote overall well-being and activity tolerance, and sleep management. Significant improvement at discharge was noted in all areas mentioned above, evident from scores improvement in all four standardized tests, 15% improvement in Modified Barthel Index Shah Version, 14% improvement in Geriatric Depression Scale, 29% improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 40% improvement in Borg Rating for Perceived Exertion Scale.

“This pandemic has changed our daily living”: Young adults’ leisure experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic is a global human ecosystem disruption affecting almost every facet of daily living. South Africa adopted a risk-adjusted approach comprising five-levels to curb the spread of COVID-19. Early in 2020, the country experienced level 5 and 4 restrictions, indicating high COVID-19 spread with low to moderate health system readiness. South Africans were largely confined to their homes. This study explored young adults’ experiences of leisure engagement during the confinement, adaptations made, and the influence on health and well-being. Thirteen occupational therapy student researchers conducted individual qualitative, exploratory-descriptive studies on young adults’ leisure experiences during the level 5 and 4 confinements. The authors used a qualitative meta-analytic approach to review the student researchers’ primary studies and synthesize findings for this paper. The sample comprised 65 participants aged 18 to 32 years (mean age 22.2 years), the majority being either students or employed. Participants were interviewed online or submitted written responses to open-ended questions focusing on their leisure engagement during the confinement. Relevant data were extracted from the primary studies and analyzed thematically. Four themes emerged: 1) disruption, 2) time, 3) adaptations to change, and 4) leisure benefits. Although participants experienced the confinement as disruptive, and restricting their leisure and social engagement, they adapted and developed new leisure occupations, which had a positive influence on their health and well-being. In conclusion, the young adults dealt with the occupational injustices of confinement by adapting their leisure engagement, thus displaying occupational resilience, which positively influenced health and well-being.

The impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on nursing home residents: An occupational perspective

ABSTRACT Background: In Ireland, stringent restrictions were implemented to protect nursing home residents from contracting COVID-19. There is limited empirical research on how restrictions impacted residents’ occupational engagement or well-being. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the occupational engagement of nursing home residents and considered implications for occupational science. Methods: Using qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with five residents in one nursing home. Two online focus groups were conducted with seven nursing home staff working across five sites. Data were analysed using interpretive thematic analysis. Results: Three overarching themes emerged regarding residents’ occupational engagement. ‘Loss of valued occupation’ related to residents’ reduced engagement in social and leisure occupations, with an erosion of the quality and meaning of their routine daily activities. ‘Counting the costs of restrictions on residents’ well-being’ revealed profound impacts on residents’ physical and mental health, including reduced mobility, weight loss, reduced independence, low mood and increased fear, anxiety, and frustration. ‘Finding resilience in the face of adversity’ indicated some hopeful adaptive and coping strategies among residents. Conclusions and implications: This study brings an occupational perspective to the impact of COVID-19 on nursing home residents by highlighting issues beyond infection control and virus transmission. Findings contribute to occupational science knowledge by highlighting issues of occupational deprivation, occupational disruption and reduced occupational choice, and ripple effects on well-being. Nursing home residents’ perspectives must be prioritised in future research and policy decision-making in responding and adapting to pandemics.

Becoming an academic retiree: A longitudinal study of women academics’ transition to retirement experiences from a university in the Republic of Ireland

ABSTRACT Retirement is a complex, dynamic process. While the occupational transitions of early and mid-career academics have received attention, their late-career transitions are under-researched. This study explored the impact of the transition to retirement on the everyday lives and relationships of women academics from a university in the Republic of Ireland. A qualitative, longitudinal approach was used. Semi-structured, individual interviews were completed pre-retirement (n = 7), with follow-up interviews up to 1-year post-retirement (n = 6). Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase process generated four themes illustrating the participants’ transition to retirement experiences: (i) maintaining connections with academia; (ii) gaining control over time; (iii) navigating occupational identity through the transition; and (iv) changing physical environments through the retirement transition. For the research active senior academics, continued involvement with and passion for researching was pivotal to providing continuity and meaning in their post-retirement routines. Those without active research profiles adapted to retirement by maintaining connections with colleagues, using university facilities, and participating in former leisure occupations. Relationships were continued and strengthened for all participants. The themes reveal that women academics undergo a continuous occupational adaptation process, negotiating their occupational identity through engagement with former meaningful roles and occupations. This study contributes to understandings of the occupational transition to retirement, highlighting the role of identity and choice in the occupational adaptation process of women academics.

Predictors of Productivity and Leisure for People Aging with Intellectual Disability.

Background. Adults aging with intellectual disability (ID) face barriers to engagement in occupation. Greater understanding of factors that affect engagement in work and leisure occupations is required to support occupational engagement in this population. Purpose. Identify predictors of engagement in work and leisure occupations for adults aging with an ID, and consider implications for occupational therapy practice. Method. Data from wave 2 of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (IDS-TILDA) was analyzed using regression analysis to identify predictors of engagement in work and leisure occupations for adults aging with an ID. Findings. Adults who had difficulty getting around their home environment, poor physical health, or older age were less likely to engage in work and leisure activities. Implications. Occupational therapists can support adults aging with ID to age in place. Occupation-focused health promotion could enhance well-being through engagement in occupation.

Experiencing success: an occupational therapy partnership programme. Gymnastics for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Purpose This paper aims to outline and evaluate a pilot partnership programme – an Occupational Therapy–led gymnastics group intervention for children aged eight to twelve with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Design/methodology/approach The overall aim of this programme was to increase participation in a valued leisure occupation. Based on the needs of the children, a physical-activity-based intervention was chosen that was challenging, novel and motivating. The intervention was then developed to target executive functioning and processing skills; enhance motor coordination skills; develop social skills; and primarily provide a positive experience. Seventeen children attended 75-minute sessions weekly for eight weeks. The programme was evaluated using non-standardised qualitative measures – parent, child and coach evaluation questionnaires were developed by the occupational therapist for this purpose. Findings Children engaged well in the programme with results showing increased participation and enjoyment of a new leisure occupation; improvement in social interaction levels and a sense of belonging; and development of motor and process skills. The results demonstrate the benefit of a partnership approach and suggest sustainability of the programme as well as the gains made. Originality/value The results of this evaluation suggest that the programme met its aims and supports further research into the efficacy of this type of partnership approach and intervention in supporting children with ADHD attending Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Glued to a Screen: How Screen Time Exposure Influences Anxiety Levels in University Students

Abstract Date Presented 04/19/21 Higher screen time exposure relates to increased physiological and social anxiety levels within university students, and the majority of their screen time is within leisure occupations. OTs can utilize this information when educating clients about strategies to decrease anxiety. Primary Author and Speaker: Barbra Katerberg, OTR/L Additional Authors and Speakers: Casey Humphrey Contributing Authors: Aaron Sciascia

Exploring the occupational lives of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey.

Persons who become displaced due to situations such as war and natural disasters face extreme challenges in maintaining their occupational repertoires. This study aimed to explore the occupational lives of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey. This mixed method study used a cross-sectional design with a predominantly qualitative focus. Syrians living under temporary protection in Turkey were interviewed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to identify their perceived performance problems in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure. Additional probes were used to explore participants' reasoning for the choice of occupations and scoring, and occupational changes since arriving in Turkey. Socio-demographics were collected on the participants' age, gender, educational level, marital status, monthly house budget, social security, and number of persons within the household. Thematic analysis was used to undercover themes from the qualitative data. Thirty Syrians living under temporary protection in Turkey in Hatay province participated in this study (mean age: 29.66 ± 7.97 years [range = 18 to 50 years]): 16 women (mean age: 28.64 ± 8.04 years) and 14 men (mean age: 30.56 ± 8.05 years). Participants identified more significant problems in their performance of productive and leisure occupations than in self-care occupations. The following themes emerged: (a) having a house of our own: meeting basic needs and completing activities of daily living; (b) no money for shopping: past everyday occupations now luxuries; (c) feeling valued and important: having the ability but no job; (d) living day to day: Education, career, and marriage on hold; and (e) enjoyment in life: leaving behind family, friends, and occupational spaces. Syrians living in temporary protection in Turkey experience uncertainty within their occupational lives. Participants were able to meet their basic needs; however, precarity of employment limited their participation in previous occupations contracting their repertoires.