NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Focusing on the development of healthy eating behaviors and meal preparation skills as a long-term goal is essential in addressing the needs of adolescents with eating disorders. This option is aimed at fostering a positive relationship with food and encouraging nutritious choices, which are critical factors in the recovery process. By concentrating on these skills, the group can help individuals build practical tools for daily living, enabling them to make informed dietary decisions and engage in preparing balanced meals.

This long-term goal aligns with the foundational principles of occupational therapy that emphasize improving participation in meaningful activities. The skills gained from healthy eating behaviors and meal preparation serve to empower individuals in their healing journey, reducing the risks associated with disordered eating patterns and promoting overall physical and mental well-being.

While improving school performance, developing independence in menu planning and awareness of portion sizes, and promoting communication skills and assertiveness are all important aspects of adolescent development and can certainly be beneficial in the context of therapy, they do not directly address the core issues presented by eating disorders in the same way that cultivating healthy eating behaviors and meal preparation skills do. Hence, the focus on promoting a healthier relationship with food takes precedence as the most relevant long-term goal for this group.