The Hidden Client: Understanding the Lived Experience of Occupational Engagement of Partners of Persons Diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder

Abstract

The immediate social microcosm surrounding diagnosed
\nindividuals are often neglected. Partners of persons with
\nbipolar I disorder experience positive and challenging experiences of occupational engagement, informed by their partner role. Guided by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
\n(IPA), in-depth interviews unearthed participants’ lived experiences to highlight challenging experiences of occupational
\nengagement, including, unmet occupational needs, occupational disharmony, and imbalance. Protective factors enhancing
\noccupational engagement included satisfactorily achieving
\noccupational needs and the experience of autotelic meaning. This study consolidated that exploring, understanding,
\nand addressing occupational needs for everyone, including
\nsecondarily affected populations, should be a focus of occupational therapists.