Model of Playfulness

  • The Model of Playfulness suggests that playfulness can be determined within any transaction of the evaluation of three elements, each of which can be represented as a continuum. The three elements are (1) source of motivation (from intrinsic to extrinsic), (2) perception of control (from internal to external), and (3) the suspension of reality (from free to not free). Intrinsic motivation, such as mastery or pure sensation of movement, is the aspect(s) of activity itself that provides motivation for the individual to involve in an activity. Internal control is the feeling of “in charge” of his or her actions, and at least in some aspects of the activity’s outcome. In other words, the player has choice over his/her actions and to make decisions during the activity. Freedom to suspend reality is that the client makes decision on how close the context of play is with the objective reality. The summative contribution of the three elements is balanced, and it determines the result of another continuum from playfulness to nonplayfulness. Additionally, framing, which is the ability of the player to give cues to others about how others should act towards him or her, is important to play and playfulness. A good player must be able to both give and read social verbal and/or nonverbal cues. This model suggests that therapists use a 60-item observational assessment such as Test of Playfulness to systemically examine playfulness in children. This model also aims to assist therapists in evaluating activities in treatment sessions.

Summarized by

  • Macey Cho

Type

  • Model (conceptual)

Population

  • Child

Disability

  • All

Domain of occupation

  • Play

Application Note

  • As play is different from other primary occupations, this model suggests that it may be more important to assess playfulness than the individual’s performance.

Key Reference

  • Bundy, A. C. (1997). Play and playfulness: What to look for. In L. D. Parham & L. S. Fazio (Eds.), Play in occupational therapy for children (pp. 52-66). St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book Inc.

Year Published

  • 1997

Primary Developer

  • Anita Bundy

Primary Developer Email

  • anita.bundy@colostate.edu

Related Models

A Model of Children’s Play

  • This model aims to conceptualize children’s underlying skills and behavioral elements characteristic of play, as well as the influences that both individual and environmental factors. Embedded in the play environment and cultural and familial milieu, this model includes developmental play capacities (cognitive, physical and social play skills) and individual play style (internal control, freedom to suspend reality and intrinsic motivation) that make up the child’s contribution to the play transaction. Play reflects the child’s cognitive, motor, language and social skills.

Psychoanalytic Frame of Reference

  • The psychoanalytic frame of reference (FOR) emphasizes on the unconscious aspect of what is done and said, and it is embedded in an occupational therapy relationship model of practice - the Vivaio model (MOVI). The central element of the MOVI is the recognition of constant emotions that exist in the interdependent relationship between the three elements of patient, therapist and ‘doing’.

Neuro-Developmental Treatment Frame of Reference

  • The Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) frame of reference is used to analyze and treat posture and movement impairments based on kinesiology and biomechanics. To identify difficulties and plan for intervention, the following concepts are to be considered in NDT, including planes of movement, alignment, range of motion, base of support, muscle strength, postural control, weight shifts, and mobility. NDT assumes that posture and movement impairments are changeable. Thus, it utilizes movement analysis to identify missing or atypical elements.

Model of Children’s Active Travel (M-CAT)

  • The Model of Children’s Active Travel (M-CAT) addresses factors that influence parents’ or children’s decision making on the children’s active travel using a simple and comprehensive approach. Active travel is, by walking or riding bicycle, travelling between local destinations, such as school or park. The factors impact decision-making process of the parents and the child of active travel consist of: (1) objective element of the child, parents, family and environment, (2) perceptions of the parents and child around these objective elements, and (3) outcome.

Occupational Adaptation Frame of Reference

  • The occupational adaptation frame of reference (FOR) focuses on the adaptation process when a person encounters occupational challenges. Three basic elements of this FOR are the person (including sensorimotor, cognitive, psychosocial system), the occupational environment (including work, play and leisure, and self-maintenance) and the interaction between these two elements. Each of the elements is consistently influenced by a constant, respectively.

Model Type

Population

Disability

Domain of Occupation

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