2. The power of connection series: the occupational nature of social participation

The social muscle: why social skills need regular exercise

Think of social skills like muscles. If we use them regularly, they stay strong and flexible, allowing us to navigate conversations, build relationships and engage confidently with others. But just like muscles weaken with inactivity, our social abilities can become rusty if we don’t practise them. After long periods of isolation or avoidance, social interactions may feel awkward or overwhelming, much like returning to exercise after a long break. The good news? Just like strengthening muscles, we can build and maintain our social skills through consistent practice and gradual exposure.

Occupational therapy perspective: the PEO Model

From an occupational therapy perspective, the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model provides a framework for understanding social participation. This model highlights the dynamic interplay between three key factors:

• Person (P): Our individual abilities, challenges and experiences, including social confidence, communication skills and emotional regulation.

• Environment (E): The social and physical spaces we interact with, such as workplaces, community groups, or online platforms.

• Occupation (O): The meaningful activities that involve social interaction, such as conversations, teamwork, family gatherings or recreational clubs.

When these three elements align well, social participation feels natural and fulfilling. However, when there is a mismatch—such as an environment that feels overwhelming, personal difficulties with communication or a lack of meaningful social activities—participation can become challenging.

The impact of social anxiety and neurodivergence on participation

For individuals experiencing social anxiety or conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social participation can be particularly complex.

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): People with social anxiety often fear judgment, embarrassment or negative evaluation in social settings. This can lead to avoidance, reinforcing isolation and making social skills harder to maintain.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Those on the autism spectrum may experience challenges with social communication, sensory sensitivities or interpreting unspoken social rules. Traditional social environments may feel overwhelming, making participation difficult.

When these conditions are not addressed, individuals may withdraw from social opportunities, limiting their ability to build relationships, access support networks and engage in fulfilling activities.

Strengthening social participation: practical strategies

The good news is that social participation, like muscle strength, can be built and maintained with intentional effort. Here are some occupational therapy-informed strategies to support engagement:

• Graded activity: Start small, gradually increasing the complexity of social interactions. This might mean beginning with text-based conversations before progressing to in-person meet-ups.

• Environmental adaptations: Modify environments to reduce sensory overload or social pressure, such as choosing quieter venues or structured group activities.

• Social scripts and role-playing: Practising common social scenarios can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

• Mindful reflection: Keeping a journal or reflecting on social interactions can help identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Occupational matching: Engaging in meaningful activities that naturally facilitate social interaction, such as hobby groups, volunteering or shared-interest clubs, can create more enjoyable and authentic connections.

Final thoughts

Social participation is an essential part of wellbeing, but it isn’t always easy. Just as we train our muscles to stay strong, we must nurture our social skills through regular practice and meaningful engagement. By considering the PEO model and using targeted strategies, we can create environments and opportunities that support social participation, making it more accessible, comfortable and rewarding for everyone.

This post is part of a series The Power of Connection, exploring the role of social participation in mental wellbeing through an occupational therapy lens. Stay tuned for more insights on fostering meaningful connections and overcoming social challenges.