Occupational Therapists' Views of Nussbaum's Life Capability

Tahmineh Mousavi, Shafik Dharamsi, Susan Forwell, Elizabeth Dean

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Life Capability is the first and most fundamental of Nussbaum's 10 Central Human Functional Capabilities (CHFCs). This capability refers to a person having a quality life of normal duration. The purpose of this study was to explore the views' of occupational therapists about Life Capability, specifically, their perspectives of this capability and its perceived relevance to practice. Semi-structured interviews with 14 occupational therapists in British Columbia, Canada, were conducted and thematically analyzed. Within this Canadian context, three themes emerged regarding occupational therapists' views about Life Capability: basic human right, quality of life, and longevity. Occupational therapists appear to view Life Capability as being consistent with the values of the occupational therapy profession. Nussbaum's other CHFCs warrant study to explore the degree to which the Capabilities Approach could complement existing occupational therapy theories, science, and practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)239-249
Number of pages11
JournalOTJR Occupation, Participation and Health
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2015

Keywords

  • health-related quality of life
  • occupational therapy
  • qualitative research

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