Gifty Abraham, O.T.D., OTR/L

Dr. Abraham's research interests include:

Increase Parental Self-Efficacy: Research shows that an effective way to improve a child's participation in everyday life is through active parental involvement. In my experience working with parents of children with disabilities, I have found that often parents feel inadequate and/or demonstrate poor self-efficacy. When parents of a child with disabilities have improved sense of competency, the overall intervention is noted to be effective and results in better outcomes. My research interests are about facilitating parental involvement during the OT process and developing measures of outcomes that document parental changes in self-efficacy and competence after OT interventions.

Spirituality and OT's role: Literature shows that large percentage of Americans identify spirituality as an important part of their life. According to our practice framework, spirituality and religious activities and expression are well within our realm of practice. In my personal and professional experience, faith-based organizations such as churches and community based programs geared for children often lack knowledge and strategies to support children with disabilities. My research interests are about understanding how spirituality is currently addressed within OT practice, increasing awareness and confidence among leaders and volunteers in various faith-based settings to include children with disabilities, facilitate client- and family-centered practice by allowing family participation in meaningful activities such as religious observance.