Poster 16

Purpose: Community integration through occupational engagement is an integral tenet of occupational therapy. Yet, little is known about how pets may assist this process. This study explored community integration through pet ownership as meaningful, lifelong occupation for one person with bipolar illness receiving Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). ACT is a best practice model that provides comprehensive locally based multidisciplinary treatment for people with serious and persistent mental illness.

Methods: Using a case study approach, eight qualitative, in-depth, interviews, observation, and analysis of pet photos were conducted with the mental health client and members of her social network. Data were analysed inductively according to the constant comparative approach.

Results: The findings revealed that pet ownership assisted the individual to counterbalance and move beyond stigma through pets as enablers of: "continuity," "belonging," "action and self-construction," "acceptance," and "participation." This process was influenced by the "severity of illness," "view of community," and "supports and resources."

Conclusion: The results contribute to our understanding of pet ownership as means to community integration. The study indicates that to enable persons with a mental illness to engage in pet ownership, occupational scientists need to examine and understand this occupation in the broader context of recovery and health. A perspective of pet ownership as meaningful occupation challenges occupational therapists to develop strategies to actively engage clients and their pets in their community.