Example occupational therapy dissertation topic 6:

A generational investigation into perceptions of physical activity leisure time amongst Bangladeshi families in Luton.

Focusing upon the sizeable ethnic minority population of Bengalis within Luton, this is a qualitative study that will involve close work with five families across three generations. Recording and evaluating not only pre-existing attitudes to the undertaking of physical activity within leisure time but also measuring how these change during the course of the study (an envisaged six month period), this is a dissertation that will primarily involve primary data. It is envisaged that the researcher will provide the interviewees with education as to the benefits of including physical activity into their existing leisure time patterns as the study progresses and also encourage members of the family to talk openly with each other as to their views. This is, accordingly, a dissertation that has the potential to proffer a range of conclusions and recommendations that will have on-going relevance to both the community in question and the wider profession.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Chiang, M. and Carlson, G. (2003). Occupational therapy in multicultural contexts: issues and strategies. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(12), pp. 559-567.
• Cole, F. (2008). Mental health and physical activity: Enabling participation. Occupational Therapy and Mental Health, 4, pp. 277-298.
• Suto, M. J. (2012). Leisure participation and well-being of immigrant women in Canada. Journal of Occupational Science, (ahead-of-print), pp. 1-14.