More than meets the mouth: an exploration of mealtime meanings for toddlers in a childcare setting

More than meets the mouth: an exploration of mealtime meanings for toddlers in a childcare setting Public Deposited

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Creator

Wallace, Kristin
- Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Engagement in occupation and the experienced meaning of that occupation are interdependent and mutually transforming (Hasselkus, 2002). Therefore, changes in meaning are central to the development of occupation. However, few studies explore the occupational meanings experienced by young children. This observational study, set in a childcare center, explores the meaning of mealtime occupations of toddlers (age 13 to 24 months). A phenomenological method was used to identify and describe the various meanings of mealtime as experienced by toddlers. Five occupational meanings emerged from the data: satiating hunger, enjoying, adults as guides, being similar, and violation of expectations. Each of these meanings is discussed in terms of its impact on occupation both generally and in regards to learning to use the spoon. Finally, these meanings are discussed in terms of the Processes Transforming Occupation (PTO) model; considering the model's relevance to independent observations of occupational meaning.

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