Document Type

Report

College

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Department

Occupational Therapy

Degree

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Report Date

5-2026

Faculty Mentor

Wells, Erin

Doctoral Experiential Coordinator

Latour, Debra

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an ongoing public health crisis that significantly disrupts survivors' physical health, mental well-being, and participation in everyday occupations. This project, Occupy Your Life, developed and implemented a six-week, individualized telehealth occupational therapy program for IPV survivors in collaboration with Inner Balance Psychotherapy in Rhode Island. Grounded in trauma-informed care and Social Cognitive Theory, the program aimed to increase participants' self-efficacy, independence, and occupational participation through tailored virtual sessions addressing coping strategies, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and daily functioning. A mixed-methods design incorporating the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and open- and closed-ended survey questions was used to evaluate outcomes across four participants. Results demonstrated improvements in self-efficacy, coping abilities, and occupational participation, with all participants indicating willingness to engage in a similar program in the future. Key themes emerging from the data included enhanced self-efficacy and independence, healthier coping mindsets, and increased engagement in meaningful daily activities. Deliverables, including a participant workbook and a comprehensive clinician- and survivor-facing website, were developed to promote sustainability and long-term carryover of skills. These findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual, trauma-informed, occupational therapy-based programming as a meaningful and accessible approach to supporting IPV survivors in rebuilding independence and quality of life.

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