WHAT DOES STUDYING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MEANS? THE PERSPECTIVE OF STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHILE

Abstract

The main goal of this work is to analyze the attributed perception of studying occupational therapy according to the students of University of Chile. A qualitative and phenomenological methodology was used, as this investigation tries to study the subjective dimension of a particular phenomenon, such as studying Occupational Therapy. Data recollection was made with open-semistructured interviews. Data analysis initiated with a previous categorization according to meaning, sense and purpose, as described in the AOTA’s framework; subcategories and codes were included from the interviews. Results show that in the Meaning category, external opinion makes reference to “studying occupational therapy” and “studying in a university”, mainly finding ignorance and a positive perception of the career. At the sense dimension, factors that give positive and/or negative values that influence self-efficacy, importance, motivation, interest and enjoyment are identified; these factors included the biopsychosocial approach and working with people. Finally, in the purpose dimension, goals and utilities are identified, both in a personal and professional aspects. These results prompt reflection around the perception of the career and the value given to professional studies.