SS63 - Occupational Deprivation in the Correctional System: How Occupational Therapists can Support Through Rehabilitation
SCURS Disciplines
Psychology
Document Type
General Poster
Invited Presentation Choice
Service-Learning — Oral
Abstract
Occupational deprivation is a common occurrence in institutional settings that causes adverse effects on an individual's health and well-being. Evidence has shown that incarcerated individuals receive minimal support and are held in restrictive environments that strip them of their occupational needs, resulting in occupational deprivation and loss of autonomy. Long-term effects in incarcerated individuals without the proper support result in increased mental health challenges, substance use, and recidivism. The purpose of this research is to gather information about the obstacles incarcerated individuals face and how healthcare professionals can best support them in the least restrictive environment possible. Hypothesizing that rehabilitation in the least restrictive environment will help reduce mental health challenges, substance use, and recidivism in incarcerated individuals. This study aims to develop an occupational therapy curriculum that could increase the support from occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) working in the correctional system to provide rehabilitation and combat these adverse effects on their health and well-being.
Keywords
incarceration, occupational deprivation, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, stigma, prisoners, occupational therapy
Start Date
10-4-2026 9:30 AM
Location
University Readiness Center Greatroom
End Date
10-4-2026 11:30 AM
SS63 - Occupational Deprivation in the Correctional System: How Occupational Therapists can Support Through Rehabilitation
University Readiness Center Greatroom
Occupational deprivation is a common occurrence in institutional settings that causes adverse effects on an individual's health and well-being. Evidence has shown that incarcerated individuals receive minimal support and are held in restrictive environments that strip them of their occupational needs, resulting in occupational deprivation and loss of autonomy. Long-term effects in incarcerated individuals without the proper support result in increased mental health challenges, substance use, and recidivism. The purpose of this research is to gather information about the obstacles incarcerated individuals face and how healthcare professionals can best support them in the least restrictive environment possible. Hypothesizing that rehabilitation in the least restrictive environment will help reduce mental health challenges, substance use, and recidivism in incarcerated individuals. This study aims to develop an occupational therapy curriculum that could increase the support from occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) working in the correctional system to provide rehabilitation and combat these adverse effects on their health and well-being.