Cantor and Sanderson (1999) listed many resources that individuals may utilize that impact their ability to participate in valued activities. There are resources that I use that have helped and or hindered my ability to participate in my occupation. One of the resources that has influenced my occupation the greatest is social support. Cantor and Sanderson (1999) list that social support can be emotional, appraisal, instrumental, or informational each of which can play a part in the success of an occupation. Since my roommates are the ones that listen to me play the ukulele they have provided social support through encouraging, teaching, and supporting. Additionally, the youtube tutorial I used this week the instructor could be considered a resource for social support. One resource that I am not fully utilizing that may be hindering my participation in my new occupation is that I don't have specific plans for how I am going to carry out my occupation each week. I pick up the ukulele when I feel like playing or when I have to so that I can write my blog. Cantor and Sanderson (1999) mentioned that "individuals with specific plans for where, when, and how to pursue a goal are more likely to achieve their goals" (p. 236). Since I do not have specific plans for the implementation of my occupation it can become a problem when goal-impeding obstacles arise.
Cantor and Sanderson (1999) listed social support as a resource that facilitates participation in occupations and has the ability to help one overcome barriers. This supports what was said in the Resilience book where the authors defined social support as "a category of protective factors that deal with social relationships and ties to others" (King et. al., 2003). Social support acts as a convoy and has the ability to protect one from possible adverse outcomes. Even the support of just one individual can serve as a protective factor.
Hey Hannah,
ReplyDeleteSeriously, how did people learn to play instruments before youtube? I've been using video tutorials a bunch too. I appreciate your use of the word convoy, ha! Cantor and Kihlstrom's 1997 work posited that social intelligence promotes one's ability to successfully participate in diverse life activities. Do you think that it took a level of social intelligence to take advantage of this opportunity to pursue a rewarding interpersonal activity (playing the ukelele)? I think playing the ukelele could be strictly interpersonal but it sounds like in your house, you aren't the only one involved.
:) Liz
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how people survived in general without the internet! I have become so dependent on it and it is such a great resource when learning new things! One aspect of social intelligence is the ability to utilize various strategies for task pursuit which helps to promote successful participation in activities (Cantor & Kihlstrom, 1987). So I think that it has taken a level of social intelligence as I have been learning the ukulele, especially where I have utilized the knowledge, skills, and support of my roommates, as well as the knowledge, skills, and support of the youtube instructors.