Workplace Isolation and Loneliness in School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors

Megan Ziff OTD, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Amy Carroll OTD, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Catherine V. Piersol PhD, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

4-4-2025

Keywords

school-based occupational therapy, workplace isolation

Comments

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) INSPIRE 2025 Annual Conference.

Abstract

Introduction

• Increasing “epidemic” of social isolation and loneliness in the United States
• The workplace is one locale that can provide social connection¹
• School-based occupational therapy practitioners (SBOTPs) report feeling isolated in the workplace²
• Lack of time can constrain development of collaborative relationships³
• Contractors in particular report feeling on the outskirts of school team communication⁴
• No prior study specific to SBOTP’s workplace isolation and loneliness

Purpose: Describe workplace isolation and workplace loneliness in SBOTPs; investigate their relationship to employment type, and indirect time.

Hypothesis 1: A weak-to-moderate positive relationship between workplace isolation and workplace loneliness in SBOTPs

Hypothesis 2: A significant difference in workplace isolation and workplace loneliness between employed and contracted SBOTPs

Hypothesis 3:A significant correlation between the percentage of indirect time at work and workplace isolation and workplace loneliness.

Recommended Citation

Ziff, Megan OTD, OTR/L; Carroll, Amy OTD, OTR/L; and Piersol, Catherine V. PhD, OTR/L, "Workplace Isolation and Loneliness in School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners: A Cross-sectional Study" (2025). Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations. Paper 93.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/otpresentations/93

Language

English