Papers by Heather Javaherian
Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
Background: Brain injury has been shown in research to decrease individuals’ ability to participa... more Background: Brain injury has been shown in research to decrease individuals’ ability to participate in their meaningful activities by negatively impacting their cognitive, emotional, and physical systems. Recent research has begun to indicate that survivors of domestic violence (DV) are at extreme risk for experiencing partner inflicted brain injury (PIBI)--brain injury that results from the physical violence of a survivor\u27s intimate partner. However, despite the prevalence of PIBI within the DV community, research shows that survivors and DV service providers alike are not aware of how PIBI can impact survivors\u27 daily life and wellbeing. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to utilize occupational therapy principles to create a trauma-informed, and sustainable educational program that would increase PIBI awareness within the domestic violence community. Program Implementation: To accomplish this, the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model and an occupation focus was app...
ABSTRACT Domestic violence impacts the lives and occupations of millions of women each year in th... more ABSTRACT Domestic violence impacts the lives and occupations of millions of women each year in the United States. Whether domestic violence involves physical, emotional, financial or other types of abuse, it affects the survivor’s participation in daily occupations and roles including mothering, work, leisure, home management and social participation. It also impacts the survivor’s sense of self and well-being. In the spirit of occupational justice it is essential that we understand the strengths that have led them to be a survivor and the needs experienced from individual to societal levels. Five female survivors of domestic violence from southern California participated in this study to explore their self-perceived strengths and needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Three main themes emerged to describe their complex experiences, strengths, and needs: “Surviving Domestic Violence: It Feels Like I‚m on a Roller Coaster, “My Children: We’re All or Nothing”, and “Starting Over.” Several sub-themes evolved that further clarified the experiences. Surviving the domestic violence entailed: Fear & Anxiety, Depression & Decreased Motivation, Isolation & Withdrawal, and Ambivalence. The women’s children were a source of strength and motivation as seen in the sub-themes of: Fear of Losing Children, Time with Children, Children as Motivators, and Awareness of Children’s Needs. Starting over was a difficult and complex process unique to each woman’s situation. All the participant’s however, spoke of shaping their identity as a survivor, establishing goals, engaging in soul-searching and self-reflection, and participating in support groups. The women specifically identified several strengths which guided them thus far in their journey including love for their children, support from family and friends, work and volunteering, and their domestic violence support groups. The greatest challenges and needs included decreased motivation, disorganization, instability, time management, and necessary interaction with the abuser because of the children or legal issues. This study demonstrates the complexity of the occupational challenges these women faced as survivors of domestic violence. Understanding their perceived strengths and needs, and how participation in occupation influences health and well being is fundamental to empowering survivors of domestic violence to live a meaningful and productive life.
Journal of allied health, 2008
Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals face diversity with their clients, ... more Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals face diversity with their clients, including sexual orientation. The purpose of this study was to determine the preparedness and comfort level of occupational therapy practitioners in working with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. A 23-item survey was mailed to 1,051 practitioners in a midwestern state. Eighty-eight were undeliverable and 373 usable surveys were returned, yielding a 39% response rate. Most respondents felt prepared and comfortable to work with clients who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and 48% agreed that sexuality influences occupational choices. Twenty-nine percent agreed that sexual orientation influences occupational therapy treatment. Less than 20% of the respondents, however, received education and used inclusive language in their documentation, and only 14% reported having resources and support services for clients who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Effective education and policy-making strategie...
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention
Journal of Veterans Studies
Veterans face significant occupational and mental health challenges. This article explores whethe... more Veterans face significant occupational and mental health challenges. This article explores whether an occupational therapy program in combination with SCUBA diving can enhance occupational performance and mental health outcomes for veterans more than SCUBA diving alone. A two-group random assignment pretest-posttest design was implemented to compare outcomes across two groups. Veterans in Group 1 (n = 7) completed SCUBA diving while those in Group 2 (n = 8) completed SCUBA diving in combination with occupational therapy. Outcomes were measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Both groups participated in a semi-structured focus group post-participation. Additionally, those in Group 2 engaged in follow-up phone interviews. Trial registration number: NCT03928392. All participants significantly improved their occupational performance and satisfaction with performance, and reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and stress. Those in Group 2 also experienced significant reductions in anxiety levels and reported applying learned interventions to daily life. Participating in SCUBA diving may contribute to reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and stress among veterans. Engaging in occupational therapy may additionally contribute to reduced symptoms of anxiety and aid in therapeutic application of interventions to daily life.
Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics
Ot Practice, Aug 13, 2007
Journal of allied health, 2008
Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals face diversity with their clients, ... more Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals face diversity with their clients, including sexual orientation. The purpose of this study was to determine the preparedness and comfort level of occupational therapy practitioners in working with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. A 23-item survey was mailed to 1,051 practitioners in a midwestern state. Eighty-eight were undeliverable and 373 usable surveys were returned, yielding a 39% response rate. Most respondents felt prepared and comfortable to work with clients who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and 48% agreed that sexuality influences occupational choices. Twenty-nine percent agreed that sexual orientation influences occupational therapy treatment. Less than 20% of the respondents, however, received education and used inclusive language in their documentation, and only 14% reported having resources and support services for clients who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Effective education and policy-making strategie...
Domestic violence impacts the lives and occupations of millions of women each year in the United ... more Domestic violence impacts the lives and occupations of millions of women each year in the United States. Whether domestic violence involves physical, emotional, financial or other types of abuse, it affects the survivor’s participation in daily occupations and roles including mothering, work, leisure, home management and social participation. It also impacts the survivor’s sense of self and well-being. In the spirit of occupational justice it is essential that we understand the strengths that have led them to be a survivor and the needs experienced from individual to societal levels. Five female survivors of domestic violence from southern California participated in this study to explore their self-perceived strengths and needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Three main themes emerged to describe their complex experiences, strengths, and needs: “Surviving Domestic Violence: It Feels Like I‚m on a Roller Coaster, “My Chi...
Journal of allied health, 2012
The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with the current gender gap in the Ph... more The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with the current gender gap in the Physician Assistant (PA) profession. Sixty-six physician assistant students from three physician assistant programs in southern California. We enrolled a focus group at each school. We used four open-ended questions to explore the participants' reasons for choosing the PA profession. In addition, participants completed a demographic questionnaire. Using qualitative analysis, we identified three themes among the participants' responses. Responses were grouped in the following categories: 1. Motivations for becoming a PA; 2. Flexibility and autonomy; and 3. Perceptions of a gender gap. There are several factors that contribute to the gender gap in the PA profession. Health professions with a gender gap may consider these factors to design a supportive environment for genders as well as re-examine marketing targets and educational awareness.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 2007
This paper discusses a faculty project that explored community research needs to guide and shape ... more This paper discusses a faculty project that explored community research needs to guide and shape the research curriculum and class assignments for a master of occupational therapy education program. Thirteen community partners were identified and interviewed. Eleven of 13 valued or greatly valued research. Those same 11 expressed an interest in collaborating with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The community partners identified 86 potential future topics for research covering many areas of practice; the majority of them focused on pediatrics. The community partners also identified several research supports already in place such as team work, administrative support, and access to clients. They identified barriers to implementing research including lack of time and assistance for the research process. This information will be incorporated in student research projects, course assignments, and faculty research agendas to provide students with an authentic learning experience while meeting community partners' needs.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 2007
The purpose of this study was to contribute to occupational therapists' understan... more The purpose of this study was to contribute to occupational therapists' understanding of the experience of domestic violence, its impact on the lives of women, and the needs of these women as they journey towards independent and abuse-free lives. A phenomenological design was used to explore the experiences of five women living at a battered women's shelter and five women who had been at the shelter and were now living on their own, free of abuse. Five themes emerged to describe the women's experiences of rebuilding their lives: (1) "You owe yourself a life," (2) "It's really all about connecting the dots," (3) "I don't have an ounce of time to myself," (4) "It gets hard," and (5) "That was the road I traveled but this is now the road that I'm on." The experiences of these women compel the occupational therapists to pause and reflect upon their role in working with survivor's of domestic violence.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2007
The primary purpose of this statement is to define the role of occupational therapy and the scope... more The primary purpose of this statement is to define the role of occupational therapy and the scope of services available for survivors and families who have experienced domestic violence. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports and promotes the use of this document by occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and individuals interested in this topic as it relates to the profession of occupational therapy. Domestic Violence Prevalence Domestic violence is a societal problem in the United States and internationally that affects not only the survivor of the violence but also the children witnessing it, the family and friends of the survivor, and the communities in which it occurs. In 2008, there were approximately 552,000 reported cases of nonfatal domestic violence against females and approximately 101,000 reported cases against males (U.S. Department of Justice [USDOJ], 2011). These are the reported cases; it is estimated that the numbers are much higher because many cases of abuse are unreported (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence [NCADV], 2007; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). Definitions The term victim is sometimes used to describe individuals who are or have been in an abusive relationship. The term survivor is used to describe individuals who are currently in the abusive relationship or who have overcome the abuse. We choose to use the term survivor because it is more empowering and denotes the strength and courage needed to endure as well as leave the abusive relationship. There are numerous definitions of domestic violence depending on the state and organization. This document defines domestic violence as a pattern of "coercive behavior designed to exert power and control over a person in an intimate relationship through the use of intimidating, threatening, harmful, or harassing behavior" (Office for Victims of Crime [OVC], 2002). The emphasis is on a pattern of abuse and violence that becomes part of their lives, leaving lasting effects on the survivor and children. Domestic violence often is used more globally to account for the broad impact it has on the family, whereas the term intimate partner violence (IPV) specifically refers to the violence between a former or current partner or spouse (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2007). For the purposes of this paper, the term domestic violence is used because of its broader connotation. Although women are abused in 85% to 95% of the reported domestic violence cases (Fisher & Shelton, 2006), men also are abused and face an additional stigma of gender roles, which often prevents them from coming forward (OVC, 2002). Therefore, it is important to view domestic violence as an issue of obtaining power and control over a partner without assuming that the partner is female.
The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association
The primary purpose of this statement is to define the role of occupational therapy and the scope... more The primary purpose of this statement is to define the role of occupational therapy and the scope of services available for survivors and families who have experienced domestic violence. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports and promotes the use of this document by occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and individuals interested in this topic as it relates to the profession of occupational therapy. Domestic Violence Prevalence Domestic violence is a societal problem in the United States and internationally that affects not only the survivor of the violence but also the children witnessing it, the family and friends of the survivor, and the communities in which it occurs. In 2008, there were approximately 552,000 reported cases of nonfatal domestic violence against females and approximately 101,000 reported cases against males (U.S. Department of Justice [USDOJ], 2011). These are the reported cases; it is estimated that the numbers are much higher because many cases of abuse are unreported (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence [NCADV], 2007; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). Definitions The term victim is sometimes used to describe individuals who are or have been in an abusive relationship. The term survivor is used to describe individuals who are currently in the abusive relationship or who have overcome the abuse. We choose to use the term survivor because it is more empowering and denotes the strength and courage needed to endure as well as leave the abusive relationship. There are numerous definitions of domestic violence depending on the state and organization. This document defines domestic violence as a pattern of "coercive behavior designed to exert power and control over a person in an intimate relationship through the use of intimidating, threatening, harmful, or harassing behavior" (Office for Victims of Crime [OVC], 2002). The emphasis is on a pattern of abuse and violence that becomes part of their lives, leaving lasting effects on the survivor and children. Domestic violence often is used more globally to account for the broad impact it has on the family, whereas the term intimate partner violence (IPV) specifically refers to the violence between a former or current partner or spouse (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2007). For the purposes of this paper, the term domestic violence is used because of its broader connotation. Although women are abused in 85% to 95% of the reported domestic violence cases (Fisher & Shelton, 2006), men also are abused and face an additional stigma of gender roles, which often prevents them from coming forward (OVC, 2002). Therefore, it is important to view domestic violence as an issue of obtaining power and control over a partner without assuming that the partner is female.
The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association
The primary purpose of this statement is to define the role of occupational therapy and the scope... more The primary purpose of this statement is to define the role of occupational therapy and the scope of services available for survivors and families who have experienced domestic violence. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports and promotes the use of this document by occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and individuals interested in this topic as it relates to the profession of occupational therapy. Domestic Violence Prevalence Domestic violence is a societal problem in the United States and internationally that affects not only the survivor of the violence but also the children witnessing it, the family and friends of the survivor, and the communities in which it occurs. In 2008, there were approximately 552,000 reported cases of nonfatal domestic violence against females and approximately 101,000 reported cases against males (U.S. Department of Justice [USDOJ], 2011). These are the reported cases; it is estimated that the numbers are much higher because many cases of abuse are unreported (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence [NCADV], 2007; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). Definitions The term victim is sometimes used to describe individuals who are or have been in an abusive relationship. The term survivor is used to describe individuals who are currently in the abusive relationship or who have overcome the abuse. We choose to use the term survivor because it is more empowering and denotes the strength and courage needed to endure as well as leave the abusive relationship. There are numerous definitions of domestic violence depending on the state and organization. This document defines domestic violence as a pattern of "coercive behavior designed to exert power and control over a person in an intimate relationship through the use of intimidating, threatening, harmful, or harassing behavior" (Office for Victims of Crime [OVC], 2002). The emphasis is on a pattern of abuse and violence that becomes part of their lives, leaving lasting effects on the survivor and children. Domestic violence often is used more globally to account for the broad impact it has on the family, whereas the term intimate partner violence (IPV) specifically refers to the violence between a former or current partner or spouse (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2007). For the purposes of this paper, the term domestic violence is used because of its broader connotation. Although women are abused in 85% to 95% of the reported domestic violence cases (Fisher & Shelton, 2006), men also are abused and face an additional stigma of gender roles, which often prevents them from coming forward (OVC, 2002). Therefore, it is important to view domestic violence as an issue of obtaining power and control over a partner without assuming that the partner is female.
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Papers by Heather Javaherian