Role-R-Coaster

 Role-R-Coaster Activity

An Occupational Therapy worksheet for inpatient psych groups of all ages

This activity was designed to be used to discuss roles during occupational therapy groups at an inpatient psych hospital. This idea came to be from a play on the word "rollercoaster" and how sometimes life feels like a rollercoaster. This group activity was successful in identifying different roles we have in life and how each role feels differently with a separate set of responsibilities. We have a lot of roles in life and if you are unaware of the responsibilities of each and how to prioritize them, our roles can overwhelm us.

Introduction

Roles are the parts we play in everyday life that come with responsibilities and expectations often set by society. What makes a good actor, like Leonardo DiCaprio? He can play many different roles. Just like our favorite actor we must play different roles. However, we aren't given a script in life on how to play our roles, it is up to us to figure it out. Some examples of different roles I have are student, daughter, granddaughter, friend, volunteer, caregiver, leader, etc. 

Activity

Have participants individually go through the parts of the rollercoaster as you read out the required role for the given part of the rollercoaster. I found this activity works best if you allow for sharing after each role instead of all of them at the end.

1. The start of the rollercoaster you have been waiting in line for: a role you're excited about and what you like about it.
1. Ex: Occupational Therapist- beginning of adulthood
2. Buckled in to the cart: a role you feel secure in and what makes you feel safe in that role.
1. Ex: Volunteer- I have been doing it for a while and know my expectations
3. A small bump in the coaster: a role you feel bumpy in/less confident and why you feel that way.
1. Ex: Daughter- My parents live far away and I have trouble making time to see/call them
4. Loop: a role that changes/requires and how you must adapt to meet it.
1. Ex: OT student, I am constantly moving and I must apply feedback to keep improving
5. The end: a role you want to improve and one way to improve it.
1. Ex: Friend, I am going to plan a trip to Austin, TX.

Modification:

With the child/adolescent unit I had clients sitting in two rows side by side. For each part of the rollercoaster they had to act out the part. For example: the beginning they put their seat belt on and each shared the secure role or they stood up and turned around then shared the role that takes them for a loop.

Discussion Questions

• Will having a better understanding of your roles help you in everyday life?
• Were you already aware of the responsibilities of each role?
• Is there a role you hold as a priority?
• Is there a role you want to prioritize more and how can you do that?

How we are performing in our roles can have a direct impact on our mental health. If our most important role is also the role we feel the least secure in that can effect our self-esteem and confidence. Sitting down to look at each role individually and fully understand the responsibilities of each can decrease stress and anxiety by providing ourselves a script just like our favorite actors. This can also allow us to better prioritize our roles and improve relationships with those we have roles associated with.