What does the term "occupational performance issue" refer to?

The term "occupational performance issue" specifically refers to a problem in performing meaningful occupations. This concept is central to occupational therapy, which focuses on helping individuals engage in activities that are significant to their daily lives. When a person experiences difficulties in carrying out tasks or activities that hold personal meaning or value—whether they are related to self-care, work, leisure, or social participation—it impacts their overall well-being and ability to achieve their goals.

While challenges in physical mobility, communication skills, or social interactions can certainly contribute to occupational performance issues, they do so as underlying factors rather than defining the term itself. Ultimately, the core of the matter lies in how these challenges affect an individual's capacity to perform occupations that are meaningful to them, thereby underscoring the broad and holistic perspective of occupational therapy.