The Person-Environment-Occupation Model: A Transactive Approach to Occupational Performance

TLDR

Occupational therapy increasingly focuses on the transactional relationship among person, environment, and occupation, yet few models address the theoretical and clinical applications of person‑environment interaction. The paper proposes a Person‑Environment‑Occupation Model of occupational performance, drawing on client‑centered guidelines and environment‑behaviour theories. The model delineates person‑occupation‑environment interactions, outlines key concepts and assumptions, and is illustrated through a practice scenario. The model is applied to a practice situation, demonstrating its practical relevance.

Abstract

Occupational therapy theory, practice and research has increasingly emphasized the transactional relationship between person, environment and occupation. Occupational performance results from the dynamic relationship between people, their occupations and roles, and the environments in which they live, work and play. There have, however, been few models of practice in the occupational therapy literature which discuss the theoretical and clinical applications of person-environment interaction. This paper proposes a Person-Environment-Occupation Model of occupational performance which builds on concepts from the Occupational Therapy Guidelines for Client Centered Practice and from environment-behaviour theories. The model describes interactions between person, occupation and environment, outlines major concepts and assumptions, and is applied to a practice situation.