Exploring Interoceptive Awareness With Adults: Occupational Therapy Practitioner Knowledge, Perception, and Practice Patterns

As the literature states, interoception is important in health and wellness. Disruption of this system can negatively impact occupational performance. We completed a descriptive study to understand how occupational therapy practitioners working with adults address interoceptive awareness. A researcher-developed survey gathered data on knowledge acquisition of interoception and perceived practice patterns related to assessment, intervention, and outcomes. Participants (N = 44) reported acquiring knowledge of interoception through professional websites, browsing databases, and continuing education as the most common information sources. Client self-report (56.8%) and clinical observation (54.5%) were the most commonly reported assessments. Rehabilitation practitioners (n = 8) reported no use of formal assessments. Most participants (63.89%) reported interoceptive awareness interventions to be effective. Further research is needed on best practices for interoception assessment and intervention related to occupational performance.