Per Crepeau's AJOTA Study Paper

1) Per Crepeau's AOTA study paper on RITUALS, what are rituals and what is the relevancy to community-based occupational therapy practice? Also, please support this response with Ruth Segal's AJOT article on Family Routines and Rituals. Rituals can be described in multiple different ways such as church services or graduation ceremonies. They can even be illustrated by “the symbolic use of bodily movements and gestures in a social situation to express and articulate meanings”. Rituals can be distinguished from daily routines that has connections to the symbols, beliefs, and values of the social groups. Rituals provide meaning through shared experiences to social assemblies. Ritual provides a mechanism to rejoin the mind and body in an activity of

It can be described as a term, a name, or even an image that may be acquainted in everyday life. Symbols also can be thought of as a relationship between action as well as behavioral signs that are highly symbolic in their potential for meaning. For instance, when a crowd applauses the performer; the applause is symbolic for recognition and appreciation from the audience. Symbols and symbolization are present in our daily functioning. It is very important for occupational therapist to understand symbol’s in their clients’ communities because they are closely related to their culture. Symbols in an individual’s culture provide identity and individuality to their community. Symbol gives the individuals within the community meaning and a since of belonging. Occupational therapist can help individuals to recognize these symbols not only in the community but also within their own lives. By understanding an individual’s symbols and rituals in an individual’s live and allow the therapist a more holistic view of their client. The allows the therapist to better understand their clients wants and needs and in return provide a more effective treatment