Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
The United States has the highest number of people per capita in detention centers when compared to all other nations in the world. Stigma exists against people with justice system involvement, resulting in discrimination by healthcare providers and students and ultimately health inequities. This convergent mixed-methods study aimed to impact occupational therapy students’ (N=25) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the criminal justice system and people with justice system involvement. The workshop included education, a panel of people with lived experience, and an occupational therapist with experiences in the criminal justice system. Significant changes were seen in the number of correct responses to 10 out of 14 knowledge questions and changes in 13 out of 20 statements related to beliefs and attitudes. Qualitative themes included: shifts in perspectives influenced by stigma, power of lived experience, and need for responsive curriculum. Findings indicate that students are impacted by stigma about people with justice system involvement but that they are receptive to learning and reconsidering beliefs, especially when exposed to people with lived experience. This has the potential to apply to other historically marginalized populations, which may enhance student empathy and encourage interest in emerging practice areas.
Biography
Emily Simpson, PhD, MS, OTR/L is a Professor in the Occupational Therapy (OT) Doctoral Program at Midwestern University. She earned a baccalaureate degree in fine arts from DePaul University, a master’s in science of occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a PhD in education leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. She teaches courses related to psychosocial practice, occupational justice, and research. She also serves as both a research and capstone mentor. Her research interests include life skills and vocational interventions for young people experiencing homelessness. Her clinical experience is in community-based practice.
Sara Engimann, OTD, OTR/L is a mental health occupational therapist working in the Chicagoland area. Their professional interests include adult mental health and recovery.
Jamie Deal, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist working in an inpatient rehabilitation facility located in Waukesha, WI. Her primary professional experiences include working with adults with a range of diagnoses from neurologic to orthopedic conditions.
Sydney Sabbagha, OTD, OTR/L is a school-based occupational therapist working in Highland Park, IL. Her primary professional interests and experiences include working with students with Autism, mental health concerns, and developing executive functioning skills.
Lexi Frazier, OTD, OTR/L is an Occupational therapist working in outpatient pediatrics and at an adult day program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her primary professional interests include working with marginalized groups who are often underrepresented in occupational therapy literature and healthcare at large. In addition, Lexi has an interest in eliminating the stigma around occupations related to sex, use of substances, and others unfairly labeled as “dark occupations” by promoting dignity of risk, trauma informed care, and harm reduction.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Simpson, E. K., Engimann, S., Deal, J. N., Sabbagha, S. M., & Frazier, L. (2025). Impact of an Educational Workshop on Occupational Therapy Student Perceptions of People with Justice System Involvement. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (2). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss2/5
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