Exploring the meanings of artistic occupation for women living with chronic illness: A comparison of template and interpretative phenomenological approaches to analysis

Abstract

(Brief Summary) This article is based on my experience of carrying out two studies that explored the meanings of artistic occupations (in particular, textile arts) for women who were living with long-term health problems (Reynolds 1997, Reynolds and Prior 2003). Inquiry into the meanings of occupation for people in the community who are coping with illness and life transitions is a growing area of occupational therapy research (for example, Christiansen et al 1999, Jonsson et al 2001, Lyons et al 2002). A better understanding of the phenomenology of occupation may help to inform professional practice.