Model of Competence

  • This model comprises the complexity and multi-dimensionality of the relation between persons with motor disabilities and their environment. It addresses the personalized accessibility (i.e., unique needs of a person living in a specific environment that is central to this person). It defines the relationship of the person-environment interaction using six concepts, they are:

     

    1. the person is described as an open system (influenced and influenced by the environment), and his/her physical, psychological, or behavioral characteristics are considered in the home adaptation process. 

    2. the environment includes two dimensions: human (individuals who share the environment) and nonhuman (built or natural elements).

    3. the interaction is proposed as an innovative conceptualization of the person-environment relation by specifying the content of the interaction and identifying as two distinct concepts (activity and role).  

    4. the activity is a specific action involves learning or doing by direct experience. 

    5. the role is a group of behaviors and expectations associated with a particular social position, which may include former, present or future roles.

    6. the competence and the handicap situation are both to qualify the interaction between the person and the environment. Competence is the transactional concept that implies the effectiveness of the interaction, whereas handicap is the disruption of a person’s performance in life habits.  

     

    Each of the above concepts is explained, and the model clearly identifies the contents of the interaction between the person and the environment. Analysis of the person-environment relation is thus based on the elements of this interaction. An assessment instrument, Home Assessment of the Person-Environment Interaction, is operationalized from the model.

Summarized by

  • Macey Cho

Type

  • Model (practice)

Population

  • Child
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Elderly

Disability

  • Physical disability

Domain of occupation

  • Unspecified

Application Note

  • The model proposes a holistic view in considering the person’s psychological, behavioral, and physical characteristics, and corresponds to the human and nonhuman dimensions of the environment in the person-environment analysis.

Key Reference

  • Rousseau, J., Potvin, L., Dutil, E., & Falta, P. (2002). Model of competence: A conceptual framework for understanding the person-environment interaction for persons with motor disabilities. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 16(1), 15-36.

Year Published

  • 2002

Primary Developer

  • Jacqueline Rousseau

Primary Developer Email

  • Jacqueline.Rousseau@rea.ulaval.ca

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Model Type

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