The experience of everyday occupations and its relation to sense of coherence ‐ a methodological study

Abstract

Abstract The connection between health and the activation of the body that occurs through occupational engagement in rehabilitation is unquestionable, but what impact on health and well‐being does the experience of occupational performance have in itself? This pilot study was conducted to develop a methodology that captured qualities of experience in the daily occupational repertoire of six heterogeneous cases. The following instruments were used: 1) Experience Sampling Method, 2) Occupational Storytelling, and 3) the Sense of Coherence Scale, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of experiences. The first two instruments were found to supplement each other in capturing specific and global experiences of occupations respectively, while the third focused on the individual's sense of coherence in life, connected to a salutogenic understanding of health. The results of the study were the development of 1) individual Experience Quality Profiles (EQPs), based on an eight‐channel flow model, and 2) a tentative ranking strategy for the EQP and SoC, enabling comparisons between the concepts. Preparations have started for a larger study, based on the methodology developed here. It aims to reveal in greater depth the relationship between quality of experience and sense of coherence in chronic pain subjects and a healthy comparison group. Key words: Experience sampling methodFlow theoryHealthOccupational therapyOccupational storytellingSalutogenesisWell‐being