Embracing Multiple Philosophical Orientations in Occupational Therapy to Enhance Cultural Sensitivity

The philosophical foundations of occupational therapy, originating in North America, primarily align with American philosophy, which leads to challenges when occupational therapy is applied in diverse cultural contexts. The occupational therapy profession needs to embrace multiple philosophical orientations to enhance cultural sensitivity. In this column, the authors use postcolonial theory to analyze colonial legacies and power dynamics within communities, highlighting the limitations of current Western-based adaptations in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility. They argue that incorporating diverse philosophical orientations into occupational therapy can enrich the field by fostering adaptability and inclusivity. They also outline steps to integrate multiple philosophical orientations, including acknowledging historical influences and adopting practices that resonate with diverse values. Embracing multiple philosophical orientations signifies the profession's commitment to evolving and responding effectively to the complex needs of individuals and communities, thereby promoting more equitable and just outcomes in occupational therapy practice. Positionality Statement: The authors of this column include a Ghanaian nondisabled occupational therapist who studied and practiced occupational therapy in Ghana, West Africa, and the United States; a White, nondisabled, female Canadian occupational therapy scholar with practice experience across numerous international contexts; and an Asian, nondisabled, female occupational therapy scholar who has occupational therapy practice experience in both Asia and the United States. All three authors currently live and work in the United States. They drew from their personal experiences, knowledge of the profession, research evidence, and critical reasoning to conceptualize this column.