Knowledge production on occupational therapy and childhood occupations: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood occupations are central to understanding child development as an occupational development. Objective: This study aimed to identify how occupational therapists have approached children as occupational beings and which occupations have been described as children's typical occupations. Method: We searched the Web of Science, Eric, Sage and CAPES Portal of Periodicals databases for this literature review, using the descriptors 'children's occupations', 'occupational development' and 'occupational therapy', between 1997 and 2016. Data were analysed using the content analysis technique. Results: We identified 38 articles, of which 21 were selected for analysis, based on four classifications involving: 1) theoretical foundations for the study of children's occupations; 2) childhood occupations and typical development; 3) childhood occupations and atypical development; and 4) occupational therapy interventions to enhance the participation of children in occupations. Quantitative studies predominated, and most studies reflected the perspective of family members on child occupations. Conclusion: The relationship between child development and children's occupations involves occupational development. The existing limited research and reviews into children's occupational development, as well as the absence of Brazilian studies in this area, reveal opportunities for further research to provide greater knowledge concerning occupational therapy and childhood occupations.