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A Model of Occupational Empowerment for Marginalized Populations in Community Environments

Globally there are individuals who are marginalized from mainstream society due to problems such as physical or psychological impairment, poor socio-economic circumstances, and occupational deprivation. Many develop learned helplessness syndrome, rendering them unable to control their lives and their destinies. This paper proposes a Model of Occupational Empowerment for providing services to these community populations. The model, a grounded theory, emerged from our work at a homeless shelter for women and children. Disempowering environments in the past had caused learned helplessness in the women at the shelter. Occupational engagement was used to empower them. We contend that the model may be used to guide occupational therapy practice with marginalized individuals and families in a number of community environments.