An attempt to define purposeful activity.

An initial look at the term PU1-poseful activity suggests it would be difficult to define except in terms of the individual. Because purposeful activities are unique constructions for individuals, the term eludes definition as a conceptual whole. Elude, however, does not mean defy. To elude is to hide, to evade exposure. That the profession of occupational therapy has only recently attempted to synthesize a consistent and official definition for purposeful activity (1) despite a history of repeated use of the term, is evidence of this elusiveness. In the past, the use of purposeful activity in treatment has been debated. This discussion often centered on the meaning of the term, with therapists taking opposing positions as to those modalities and activities that they considered appropriate to practice. I, too, shall enter the debate and attempt to examine the term purposeful activity by addressing issues that underlie the problem of achieving its definition. A first step in definition is to analyze each word in the term. The dictionary defines purpose as "an end to be obtained, intention, determination" (2, p 736). Activity is defined as "vigorous or energetic action, liveliness, a process that an organism participates in or carries on by virtue of being alive, a similar process actually or potentially involving mental function" (2, p 10). These definitions,