The use of craft activities as an occupational therapy treatment modality in Norway during 1952-1960.

The purpose of the present study was to explore the use of craft activities as occupational therapy treatment modalities in Norway during the period 1952-1960. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with six retired occupational therapists on their experiences in using crafts. Data were analysed through textual analysis and this resulted in four themes: craft activities identified as a therapeutic tool; ambivalence in how to frame the intervention; practice relative to power relationships; and occupational therapists and patients as equals. A limitation of the present study was that participants drew on their screened memories in the context of contemporary practice, which may omit or distort the historical truth. Further research is needed to document the effect of contemporary therapeutic use of craft activities, and to bring forward how occupational therapists and clients value the craft activities of today in the context of their lives.