Occupational participation and sense of identity among adolescents in conflict with the law following an occupational therapy intervention

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20453/rhr.v8i2.7167

Keywords:

occupational therapy, adolescent, deprivation of liberty, occupational performance, roles

Abstract

Objective: To assess changes in occupational performance, role participation, and sense of identity among male adolescents in conflict with the law following an occupational therapy intervention. Materials and methods: A pre-experimental design was implemented with 65 adolescents (aged 14 to 17) from a juvenile detention center in the State of Mexico, who completed 40 occupational therapy sessions. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Role Checklist, and the Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II) were administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired Student’s t-tests. Results: Substantial and statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) were identified in occupational performance and satisfaction. A significant increase (p < 0.001) was observed in the number of roles assumed, along with a marked orientation toward future prosocial roles (Role Checklist). In addition, significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed in perceived occupational identity, competence, and occupational adaptation. Conclusions: Occupational therapy shows considerable potential to promote occupational development and facilitate preparation for social reintegration in adolescents deprived of liberty. Future research using more robust methodologies is advisable.

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Author Biographies

Johan Daniel Mejía Bernal, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico

Graduate in Occupational Therapy, Master's student in Criminology, Criminalistics and Criminal Investigation, Diploma in Psychopathology, Personality and Psychological Disorders, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the UAEMéx

Arturo Martínez Cosme, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Facultad de Medicina. Toluca, México.

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, Master's degree in Child Development and Psychotherapy, Specialist in Criminal Profiling, Specialist in Criminal Investigation, Master's degree in Criminology, Criminalistics and Criminal Investigation, Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Behavior Sciences, PhD in Forensic Sciences. Postdoctoral fellow in Gender and the Criminal Justice System. Full-time professor at the UAEMéx. Coordinator of the Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy at the UAEMéx. Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the UAEMéx.

Monserrat Rojas Espinosa, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, Master's degree in Neuropsychology. Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Mexico.

Imelda Martínez Flores, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico

Bachelor of Science in Documentary Information, Master of Information Technology Management, PhD in Education, Postdoctoral Researcher in Education. Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Mexico

References

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Mejía Bernal, J. D., Martínez Cosme, A., Rojas Espinosa, M., & Martínez Flores, I. (2025). Occupational participation and sense of identity among adolescents in conflict with the law following an occupational therapy intervention. Revista Herediana De Rehabilitación, 8(2), e7167. https://doi.org/10.20453/rhr.v8i2.7167

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): Julio-diciembre

Section

ARTICLES

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Copyright (c) 2025 Johan Daniel Mejía Bernal, Arturo Martínez Cosme, Monserrat Rojas Espinosa, Imelda Martínez Flores

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