Model of Co-Occupation

  • The Model of Co-Occupation suggests that co-occupation is characterized by shared physicality, emotionality, and intentionality in an occupation with another person(s). Co-occupation is an occupation involving other person(s), which is interactive and responsive. Some examples are that students work together on a project or a mother puts her infant to the bed. Solitary occupations do not involve another person(s); some examples are ADL activities or playing solitaire. Three aspects of co-occupation include shared physicality (e.g., physical support), shared emotionality (e.g., enjoyment), and shared intentionality (e.g., getting to and enjoying an event). The overall experience provides a sense of meaning to the participating individuals. There are three theoretical propositions of co-occupation:

    1. There is a spectrum of co-occupations, each characterized by unique shared physicality, emotionality, and intentionality,
    2. The nature can be understood through qualitative and/or quantitative means,
    3. Impairment or disability across lifespan may influence how co-occupation is manifested.

    Essential occupations (e.g., breast feeding) are primarily characterized by high degree in one of the three aspects with the other two present to some degree. Complex co-occupations (e.g., teamwork on a shared goal) are characterized by high involvement of all three aspects. Qualitative methods can be used to develop co-occupational theory. Case studies can be used to demonstrate in-depth analysis of an experience. Narrative storytelling and analysis can be used to add the temporal dimensions of co-occupations. Quantitative methods including experience sampling method and other behavioral analysis software are used to explore the construct of experience and compare co-occupational and occupational performance. The relationship between impairment or disability and engagement in co-occupation is reciprocal. Disability or impairment may affect the nature of co-occupational performance of the individuals.

Summarized by

  • Macey Cho

Type

  • Model (conceptual)

Population

  • Child
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Elderly

Disability

  • All

Domain of occupation

  • Unspecified

Application Note

  • It emphasizes on the aspects of co-occupation, its complexity, and relations to disability. 

Key Reference

  • Pickens, N. D., & Pizur‐Barnekow, K. (2009). Co‐occupation: Extending the dialogue. Journal of Occupational Science, 16, 151-156.

     

Year Published

  • 2009

Primary Developer

  • Noralyn Pickens and Kris Barnekow

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Model Type

Population

Disability

Domain of Occupation

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