Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Rebecca Wolf JD, MPH, OTR/L

Second Advisor

Abbey Glenn OTD, OTR/L, CBIS

Abstract

The rates of incarceration quickly rose in the United States in the late 1900’s in response to change in legislation in favor of more tough on crime movements and policy. In addition to these movements and other social, environmental, and demographic factors, certain groups of individuals faced increased risk for incarceration and increased challenges before, during, and after incarceration. The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience and report is to explore challenges during community reentry after incarceration that can lead to re-arrest, or recidivism. This is a crucial time because without the appropriate tools, resources, and supports, the individual is less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors and be successful upon release. The occupational therapy doctoral capstone student created a 12-session Life Skills Program, using an occupational therapy lens and theory, at a local community reentry center in Arizona to assist with this skill acquisition and building to increase self-efficacy and engagement in those prosocial behaviors. Two outcome measures were used to evaluate the residents’ perceived effectiveness of the program and the influence the program had on resident self-reported self-efficacy in four overarching skill areas with 18 skill subcategories overall. Residents reported high rates of satisfaction and benefit of this program and increased self-efficacy in all but one of these skill subcategories. Although occupational therapy is beneficial in this population, there are limitations that must be considered to ensure that services are most beneficial and client centered. Through this doctoral capstone experience, the capstone student reflects on potential implications moving forward.

Additional Files
Bellum.pdf (2579 kB)
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