What does the Developmental and Lifespan Perspective in occupational therapy focus on?

The Developmental and Lifespan Perspective in occupational therapy emphasizes understanding how individuals' occupational roles and needs evolve over time as they progress through different stages of life. This perspective accounts for the fact that various factors, including age, societal expectations, and personal development, influence the types of occupations an individual engages in and how they perceive those occupations at different life stages.

For instance, a young adult's focus on educational and career-related activities will differ significantly from an elderly person's focus on leisure or social engagement. By recognizing these changes, occupational therapists can tailor their interventions to better suit the current occupational roles of clients, promote their engagement, and support their overall well-being.

This perspective is inherently holistic, acknowledging that development is not linear and that people can experience transitions, challenges, and growth at any age. Understanding these dynamics allows therapists to provide care that aligns with clients at their specific developmental stage, supporting meaningful engagement in daily activities.