Date of Award

January 2015

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

MaryEllen Thompson

Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Second Advisor

Doris Pierce

Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Third Advisor

Amy Marshall

Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine, from their individual perspective, the identity of individuals who self-identify as an artist but work in other careers. The research objectives of this study included: exploring the possible sense of occupational imbalance in an individual’s self-identity, exploring the personal identity of individuals who perceive themselves as artists but work at a different career, and explaining the relationships between art and self-identity including life balance, work ethic, and education. This research was based in an occupational science viewpoint, in that it looked at how occupations help to define life meaning, purpose, and identity. This study contributes to the breadth of knowledge in occupational science literature about identity formation and maintenance and supports the need for occupational therapy to be client-centered and occupation based.

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