Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-10-2026
Faculty Mentor
Michelle Woodbury
Abstract
Emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and reduced motivation are common after neurologic injury and can hinder rehabilitation and daily functioning (Guo et al., 2022; Villa et al., 2018; Raggi et al., 2024). However, traditional rehabilitation often emphasizes physical recovery, with fewer accessible interventions targeting emotional wellness. This capstone project addresses this gap by developing and evaluating an emotional wellness workbook to support recovery, incorporating evidence that lifestyle factors like exercise can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety (Carek et al., 2011). Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model (Bass et al., 2024), this quality improvement project developed an educational and reflective workbook focused on emotional health, lifestyle habits, and routine development. The resource included content on fulfillment, movement for mood, healthy habits, and sustainable routines. Participants in a rehabilitation setting used the workbook over four sessions and completed pre- and post-intervention surveys via REDCap to assess changes in awareness, engagement and perceived well-being. The sample (n=4) included willing, community-dwelling adults in Charleston, SC recovering from neurologic injury, and recruited through MUSC RENEW Center. Participants (1 male, 3 female) ranged in age from 44-68. Pre-findings showed 75% had a strong understanding of emotional wellness, 50% recognized the impact of physical activity on mood and stress, and all acknowledged the connection between emotional and physical recovery. Post-findings indicated that 100% reported “Very Much” or “Mostly” improvements across all domains, including meaning in daily activities, motivation for physical activity, and confidence in sustaining lifestyle changes. This project highlights the importance of integrating emotional wellness into occupational therapy practice and supports the feasibility of implementing workbook-based interventions into the clinical setting. Future directions include expanding implementation, refining content based on participant feedback, and exploring long term outcomes to promote sustainability and broader impact within neurologic rehabilitation.
Recommended Citation
O'Donnell, Erin L., "Supporting Emotional Wellness After Neurologic Injury: Development of a Workbook to Improve Self-Awareness and Healthy Habits" (2026). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 126.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/126