ABSTRACT

This study aimed at discovering the structure of relational conflicts experienced by occupational therapists working in a clinical setting. Methods : For this study, conversations with eight occupational therapists undertaking occupational therapy in a clinical setting were carried out once or twice during February 2011. The study collected data up to a saturation point at which the stories become repetitive regarding the relational conflicts experienced by participants in a clinical setting, or when no more new contents were discovered. Data collection and analysis were conducted in accordance with the procedure of Parse’s Human Becoming Theory. Results : As a result of this research, conflicts experienced by occupational therapists were revealed to be from a lack of understanding of occupational therapy by nearby people, conflicts with nearby people such as newly appointed therapists, and an institutional system that is not favorable to occupational therapy. To solve these issues, the participants tried to solve their conflicts by proposing the effects of occupational therapy while pursuing self development. Through these efforts, they were hoping to achieve a bright future for occupational therapy. Conclusion : The conflicts experienced in a clinical setting are mostly caused by a lack of proper perception regarding occupational therapy by nearby people owing to a dissatisfactory promotion of occupational therapy. It is therefore necessary to make the effort to promote occupational therapy.