Occupational Therapy Perspectives on Recovery From War-Related Risk Across the Life Course

Am J Occup Ther. 2026 May 1;80(3):8003070010. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2026.051622.

ABSTRACT

This Special Section presents research that examines recovery from war-related risk across diverse populations, settings, and life stages. Taken together, these articles demonstrate that war-related exposure is a dynamic, longitudinal process that shapes participation in daily roles, routines, relationships, and identity among both combatants and noncombatants. From childhood through late adulthood, the studies highlight the enduring functional consequences of war and the contextual factors that influence recovery. Although many of these insights align with long-standing occupational therapy perspectives, their significance lies in strengthening the empirical foundation for life-course, participation-centered approaches to recovery. In this Guest Editorial, we provide an overview of these studies and outline key future directions for the occupational therapy profession to advance recovery from war-related risk across the lifespan.

PMID:41941372 | DOI:10.5014/ajot.2026.051622