Differences among Theories, Models, and Frames of Reference: Professional Discourse

Since the pre-paradigm era (before occupational therapy formally existed as a profession), certain intellectual ideas about the relationship between occupation and human health have persisted. However, the notion of occupation-specific theories as we understand them today can be traced back to two occupational therapy theorists: Anne Cronin Mosey, and Gary Kielhofner. In this chapter, we discuss the similarities and differences in these scholars’ views on the conceptualization of occupational therapy theory, discuss the structure of a theory, and describe how theoretical knowledge guides occupational therapy practice. After sharing our perspectives about the theory classification, we invite occupational therapy practitioners and students to adopt their perspectives.