Mothers' experiences of engaging in Occupational Performance Coaching

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational Performance Coaching is an intervention provided to parents, which targets their goals in occupational performance for themselves and their children. Preliminary evidence points to its effectiveness; however, little is known about parents' experiences of engaging in Occupational Performance Coaching. Method:Within a larger mixed methods study, a purpose-designed survey comprising open and closed questions was used to explore parents' (N = 29) experiences of engaging in Occupational Performance Coaching. The survey targeted their impressions, learning experiences, and perceptions of the impact of Occupational Performance Coaching. Numerical data were analysed descriptively; written comments were analysed using content analysis. In this case all participants were mothers. Findings: Mothers' descriptions of Occupational Performance Coaching were largely positive. Learning experiences included gaining insights about themselves and their children alongside learning specific strategies to support their children's occupational performance. They reported greater understanding of their children and a perception that Occupational Performance Coaching had engendered a calmer, happier emotional tone within the family. Conclusion: Mothers perceived Occupational Performance Coaching as a valuable means to support their children and themselves to attain occupational performance goals. Findings prompt greater attention to coaching approaches and, more widely, the use of transformative learning as a means to enabling occupation.