Karen Beaulieu

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions and Management of Aggression Related to Adults with a Brain Injury:

In response to an increasing level of aggression experienced by health care staff in the workplace, the then Secretary of State for Health launched a campaign tackling violence against staff in the National Health Service (Dobson 1998). Occupational therapists recognise aggression as a symptom often following a brain injury and as a potential barrier to rehabilitation. This study explored how occupational therapists perceived and managed aggression with adults post brain injury. A grounded theory qualitative research methodology was used. A purposive sample of 15 occupational therapists working with adults with a brain injury participated in semi-structured audiotaped interviews. The data analysis identified that the participants experienced and perceived aggression as verbal, physical and gestural. The findings suggest that occupational therapists need to increase their awareness of the problems associated with aggression. The study identified that in the presence of the elements of close physical contact or fear, and where adults with a brain injury were unsure about what was going to happen next, aggression was more likely to take place. It appears necessary to explore further why this is and to establish strategies to reduce the perceived threat to adults with a brain injury and the potential risks to therapists.

The Impact of Binge Eating Disorder on Occupation: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to ascertain the time-use patterns of those with binge eating disorder and to determine whether the disorder has an impact on everyday activities (occupations). Mixed method questionnaires, with open and closed questions, and time-use diaries were completed by 10 participants recruited through a self-help charity group. The findings suggest that the time-use patterns of those with binge eating disorder were comparable to the patterns of the general population within the United Kingdom, with the exception of eating and socialising. Three major themes emerged: preoccupation with food, body image concerns and impact on relationships. These suggest that binge eating disorder has an impact on self-care, leisure and productivity occupations. The questionnaires revealed additional eating-related occupations, undertaken while participating in other occupations. The identification of all occupations is important to enable health care professionals to understand the meaning and purpose of the occupational engagement of each individual with binge eating disorder.