| The profession of occupational therapy has long been associated with creativity; however, there has been neither a uniform definition of creativity nor a conceptual model to describe the relationships among creativity, the practice of occupational therapy, and the occupational therapist. This research examined the definition, impact, and relationships among creativity, the practice of occupational therapy, and the occupational therapist.;The following questions were explored: How have definitions of creativity in the context of occupational therapy changed over time? How do occupational therapists define creativity in the context of occupational therapy? In what ways do occupational therapists feel their personal creativity impacts their practice of occupational therapy? What is the impact of practice-related creativity on the occupational therapist? What is the relationship between occupational therapists' personal and occupational therapy practice-related creativity?;Based upon occupational therapist participants' input, this research developed a definition, theory, and conceptual model to describe the relationships among creativity, the occupational therapist, and the practice of occupational therapy. Key findings were that relationships among creativity, the occupational therapist, and the practice of occupational therapy were dynamic and changed both through time, and with personal and professional maturation. The changing definitions and contexts are best described by using a dynamic two-factor person/press influences and process/product outcomes model to characterize the relationships among creativity, the occupational therapist, and the practice of occupational therapy.;The relationships among creativity, the occupational therapist, and the practice of occupational therapy also appeared to change relative to the length of career. Over time, the doer became the thinker, and creative outcomes gradually became less product-oriented and more process-oriented. Additionally, as the career span lengthened, both creative processes and products evolved from being object-centered to person-centered.;Creativity also served three primary functions for the occupational therapist participants in this research. It influenced their decision making regarding client outcomes, built their skills and knowledge, and facilitated and renewed their engagement and commitment to work through entertaining, challenging, and restoring them. |
