Understanding Appalachian Values

This paper, which is based on the Model of Human Occupation, examined Southern Appalachian subcultural values through a review of the literature and two case studies. The subjects for this study were one male and one female both over the age of fifty and of the working class, who had lived in the Southern Appalachian region from birth to the time of the study. Values were assessed through interviews which consisted of a series of questions written by the investigator and based on the literature review, the Values Orientation Interview Schedule and an Activity Configuration. Results supported the literature which discusses the values of persons of the Southern Appalachian region which differ from those of the typical middle class American. The study reinforced the importance of occupational therapists integrating information on values and culture into the treatment planning process.