The Use and Validity of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in a Posttraumatic Stress Program.

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was adapted to a group format and used to investigate self-perceived change over time with respect to treatment goals in a sample of adults with histories of child abuse who participated in a 6-week inpatient trauma program. Using the COPM, 177 adults developed individualized goals and rated their performance and satisfaction with performance of these goals at admission, discharge, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge. Goals were classified into six categories and changes in self-ratings were analyzed. Results indicated that the mean scores on the COPM were significantly improved over admission levels at all points in time with respect to goals of self-care, relationships and communication, coping with feelings, and spirituality. However, many participants did not maintain discharge levels at follow-up points. Comparison of the adapted COPM to other standardized measures used in this study supported concurrent criterion validity. Implications for helping professionals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]