Statement of Purpose: The discipline of occupational science has called for an increase in research

focusing on the study of occupations. Gray (1997) stated that occupational therapy could benefit from

“a more profound understanding of the essence of occupation” (p. 15). Dickie (2003) argues that “one

way to achieve this understanding is to examine occupations directly” (p. 120). Dating is an occupation

that has not been examined directly and has recently undergone rapid changes in its practice. Although

occupational science research has been done on mate selection (Krishnagiri, 1996), there is a dearth of

literature exploring the actual activities surrounding mate selection, how one actually participates

actively in this selection which the researcher will refer to as dating. This study will address the gap

in the literature by exploring the occupation of dating and the experience of young women participating

in dating occupations in Ireland.

Method: A qualitative approach will be used to explore the occupation of dating. Data collection will include the use of semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and cultural material. Interviews will be audiotaped, transcribed. Field notes taken during observation and interviews will be coded using thematic analysis to generate common themes across cases (Braun & Clarke, 2006).

Results: Dating is described in terms of its form, function and meaning (Larson & Zemke, 2003), including the stages, environments, and occupations within dating. Stigma and the emotional aspect of dating are found to be implications for mental health and well-being. The purpose of dating is explored and illuminates that dating is an occupation with a vison to meeting someone to share occupations with in the future.

Implications related to occupational science: This research answers the call to contribute to the study of occupations. This study also addresses the gap in literature in the experience of sexuality for persons without a disability and directly addresses the occupation of dating which has not been covered in depth.

Discussion questions to further occupational science concepts and ideas: How would you define dating? Is dating an occupation or a collection of other occupations with a sole purpose? How does dating differ in other cultures or populations that you have worked with? How can we as occupational scientists address the challenges of studying an occupation that is rapidly changing in society? Key Words: Dating, Sexuality, Occupational Science