Tove Carstensen

Therapeutic mode preferences and associated factors among Norwegian undergraduate occupational therapy students: A cross-sectional exploratory study

Abstract Background: The Intentional Relationship Model is specifically focused on the relational aspect of therapy. The model describes six therapeutic modes; these represent different types of interaction for the therapist. However, preferences for therapeutic mode use are under researched. Aims: This study aims to describe preferences for therapeutic modes in undergraduate occupational therapy students, as well as to explore factors associated to each of the therapeutic modes. Methods: A sample of 96 occupational therapy students, based at two different Norwegian universities, participated in the study. They completed the Norwegian Self-Assessment of Modes Questionnaire along with sociodemographic information. Descriptive analysis, bivariate correlation and linear regression analysis were employed. Results: The problem-solving mode was most frequently endorsed. There were generally weak associations between the variables, but female sex and being a student in the education program in Trondheim were associated with higher preference for collaboration. Conclusion: There is diversity in students’ preferences for the modes, but the problem-solving mode was the most preferred. Students need to be aware of the mode they feel more comfortable with and make sure they use modes that fit with the specific client. Significance: The occupational therapy education programs need to incorporate raising awareness about therapeutic modes.

Psychometric properties of the Norwegian self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use (N-SETMU)

Abstract Background: According to the Intentional Relationship Model (IRM), the intentional use of relational approaches in therapy (therapeutic modes) is essential for obtaining successful relationships to clients. There have been no attempts to combine the IRM with self-efficacy theory, and instruments for measuring self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use are lacking. Aim: This study aimed to examine the component structure and internal consistency of the Norwegian version of the Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Mode Use (N-SETMU). Methods: Occupational therapy students (n = 111) from two education programs completed the N-SETMU along with sociodemographic information. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was performed and component extraction was controlled using Parallel Analysis. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s α and inter-item correlations. Results: All items on the N-SETMU loaded on the same latent dimension, tentatively called Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Mode Use. Cronbach’s α for the scale was 0.82. Conclusions: The N-SETMU is a unidimensional measure of self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use in general. The N-SETMU may be a useful tool for occupational therapy research and audits focusing on occupational therapists’ use of therapeutic modes in client interactions.

Differences and similarities in therapeutic mode use between occupational therapists and occupational therapy students in Norway

Abstract Background: The Intentional Relationship Model (IRM) is a new model of the therapeutic relationship in occupational therapy practice. Two previous studies have focused on therapist communication style, or ‘mode’ use, but to date no group comparisons have been reported. Aim: To explore differences between occupational therapists and occupational therapy students with regard to their therapeutic mode use. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional design, and convenience samples consisting of occupational therapists (n = 109) and of second-year occupational therapy students (n = 96) were recruited. The Self-Assessment of Modes Questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Group differences were analysed with independent t-tests. Results: The occupational therapists responded more within the collaborative and empathizing modes than the students did. The students responded more within the advocating and instructing modes than the occupational therapists did. Conclusion and significance: There may be systematic differences between occupational therapists and students concerning their therapeutic mode use. Some modes, such as the collaborating and empathizing modes, may be viewed as requiring more experience, whereas other modes, such as the advocating mode may be related to more recent rehabilitation ideologies. These factors may contribute to explaining several of the group differences observed.

Approaches to studying – associations with learning conceptions and preferences for teaching

Abstract Background: Research into occupational therapy students’ approaches to studying is growing, and research has shown approaches to studying to be associated with academic performance. However, learning conceptions and preferences for teaching among occupational therapy students have rarely been reported, and their relationships to study approaches need to be empirically investigated. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and education-related factors associated with approaches to studying among occupational therapy students in Norway. Methods: Occupational therapy students (n = 149) from one education program in Norway completed questionnaires related to approaches to studying, learning conception, preferences for teaching, and sociodemographic factors. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to examine the independent variables’ associations with approaches to studying. Results: Higher age was associated with higher deep approach scores and lower surface approach scores, whereas being female was associated with higher surface approach scores. Higher scores on learning conception was associated with higher scores on the deep and the strategic approaches. Higher scores on supporting understanding was associated with higher scores on the deep and strategic approaches, whereas higher scores on transmitting information was associated with higher scores on the surface approach. Conclusions: This study provides increased understanding of the associations between students’ learning conceptions, preferences for teaching, and approaches to studying. The results contribute to educators’ knowledge base from which they can adapt their way of teaching according to student group characteristics.

Short-term changes in occupational therapy students’ self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self:

Introduction Self-efficacy concerned with the therapeutic use of self is important for occupational therapists, and students need to develop the skills and the self-efficacy required to meet interpersonal challenges in practice. This study examined short-term changes in occupational therapy students’ self-efficacy for using therapeutic modes, for recognizing clients’ interpersonal characteristics, and for managing interpersonal events. Factors associated with such changes were also examined. Method A sample of 89 Norwegian occupational therapy students from two universities was used, and the students completed three questionnaires 2–3 weeks after a workshop and at 3 months’ follow-up. Changes on the outcome measures were analyzed with t-tests for dependent samples, and factors associated with the outcome changes were analyzed with linear regression analyses. Results During the follow-up period, the students improved their self-efficacy scores on all three outcome measures. Higher age was associated with more improvement on two of the outcome measures. Conclusion The occupational therapy students improved their self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self during the brief follow-up period. Thus, the time in education, either university-based or practice-based, seems to add to students’ self-efficacy for clinical skills in this area. Higher age appears to be a resource for gaining more self-efficacy from attending educational courses.

Self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use among occupational therapy students in Norway

Abstract Background: The intentional relationship model (IRM) proposes six distinct ways of relating to clients. A new instrument for measuring self-efficacy for using the therapeutic modes in occupational therapy practice was recently found to have good psychometric properties. To date, however, no research has investigated factors associated with self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use. Aim: This study aimed to explore sociodemographic and education-related factors associated with self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use in a sample of occupational therapy students in Norway. Methods: Occupational therapy students (n = 111) from two education programs completed the Norwegian version of the recently developed “Self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use” (N-SETMU), in addition to reporting sociodemographic and education-related information. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine factors independently associated with the students’ N-SETMU scores. Results: Higher N-SETMU scores were associated with better average academic performance among the students. Otherwise, none of the associations were statistically significant. Conclusions: As better academic results were linked with higher self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use, the study indicates that some students perform well academically and have high self-efficacy for practical skills, whereas others perform less well academically and have lower self-efficacy for practical skills. A potential transfer of self-efficacy beliefs from one area of performance (academic) to another (practical skills) seems possible, and this may be investigated in future studies.

Psychometric Properties of an Instrument Derived from the Intentional Relationship Model: The Self-Efficacy for Recognizing Clients’ Interpersonal Characteristics (N-SERIC)

Background: The Intentional Relationship Model conceptualizes the therapeutic use of self in occupational therapy. To increase motivation for and success in establishing therapeutic relationships, therapists need selfefficacy for using the self in therapeutic practice. However, attempts to combine this model with self-efficacy theory are rare, and instruments by which to measure self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self are in a developing stage. This study aimed to examine the factor structure and internal consistency of the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Recognizing Interpersonal Characteristics (N-SERIC). Methods: Occupational therapy students (n = 100) from two education programs completed the instrument and sociodemographic information. The factor structure was examined with Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s α and inter-item correlations. Results: The PCA revealed that all N-SERIC items belonged to the same latent factor, with factor loadings ranging between 0.75 and 0.89. The internal consistency of the scale items was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.96). Conclusions: The N-SERIC scale is unidimensional and the items have very high internal consistency. Thus, the scale sum score can be useful for occupational therapy research and audits focusing on interpersonal aspects of practice. Comments The authors disclose no conflicts of interest.

Factors Associated with Academic Performance Among Second-Year Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Students

Background: Research into occupational therapy education and its outcomes for students is growing. More research is needed to determine the factors of importance for occupational therapy students’ academic outcomes. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with academic performance among second-year undergraduate occupational therapy students in Norway. Methods: Occupational therapy students (n = 111) from two education programs completed questionnaires asking for sociodemographic, work-related, and education-related information. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine factors independently associated with the students’ academic performance. Results: A higher age was associated with better average academic performance among the students, whereas having higher education experience before entering the occupational therapy program was associated with poorer average academic performance. Conclusions: Students of a higher age may have life experience that easily translates into good academic results, and they may represent an under-used resource for improving the academic climate and understanding subsequent exam results among undergraduate occupational therapy students. However, prior higher education experience from disciplines different from occupational therapy, and that hold different expectations toward students, may hinder good academic performance in occupational therapy coursework. Comments Dr. Bonsaksen reports no potential conflicts of interest.

Factors Associated with Therapeutic Approaches Among Norwegian Occupational Therapists: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT According to the Intentional Relationship Model, the use of therapeutic approaches tailored to individual clients’ needs is essential for building therapeutic relationships. This study investigated factors associated with occupational therapists’ preferred therapeutic approaches. One hundred eight occupational therapists were recruited as a convenience sample, and the data were analyzed with linear regressions. Mental health as the field of practice was associated with a stronger preference for use of empathy. More job satisfaction was associated with stronger preference for the instructing mode. Empathy appears to be more commonly used in mental health practice, whereas instructing may be linked with job satisfaction.