The challenge of research in occupational therapy.

-'he major challenge facing the profession of occupational therapy today is the critical need for research that validates claims made for the therapist's use of occupations. Although the need for such research in gerontology is perhaps no greater than that in other practice areas, we must grasp the opportunity for occupational therapy to playa critical role in the care of America's aging population before it is too late. To delay research while we attempt to claim territorial rights, to be recognized for reimhursement, and to be accorded recognition as primary professionals is to put the can before the horse. The credibility required to win each of these battles is gained only through exemplary practice, and exemplary practice is largely grounded in research that has tested and refined the treatment strategies that emerge in the practice arena. In 1985, the profession of occupational therapy established its priorities for research, identifying six major categories in which research is needed if occupational therapy is to meet its mandate for service. These priorities are not in rank order; they are meant to provide a means of organization for needed research. The purpose of this article is to highlight the research needs of the profession with regard to our nation's senior citizens. The research priorities were proposed by the Research Development Committee and formally adopted by the boards of bOth the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF). Underlying these priorities is the central hYPOthesis of the profession: When normal occupation is interrupted and well-being is threatened, therapeutic occupation or activity helps to promote, restore, or maintain health. Success in this effort Therapy