Defining lives: Occupation as identity: An essay on competence, coherence,and the creation of meaning - The 1999 Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture

This article presents a view of occupation as the principal means through w hich people develop and express their personal identities. Based on a revie w of theory and research, it proposes that identity is instrumental to soci al life because it provides a context for deriving meaning from daily exper iences and interpreting lives over time. The article proposes that identity also provides a framework for goal-setting and motivation. It is asserted that competence in the performance of tasks and occupations contributed to shaping and that the realization of an acceptable identity contributes to c oherence and well-being. within this framework, it is postulated that performance limitations and di sfigurement that sometimes results from illness or injury have identity imp lications that should be recognized by occupational therapy practitioners. By virtue of their expertise in daily living skills, occupational therapy p ractitioners are well positioned to help address the identity challenges of whom they serve. In so doing, they make an important contribution to meani ng and well being.