Genesis of Occupation: A Philosophical Model for Therapy and Theory

Occupational genesis is an evolutional/developmental theme based on concepts developed by the philosophers of pragmatism, Dewey, James, Meade and Pierce. Their influence on the Chicago community where occupational therapy originated is described. By bringing this philosophy to light as occupational therapy's conceptual foundation, modern theorists and practitioners can be understood to be united in their beliefs despite differences in practice orientations. This concept of pragmatic origin, to which Adolf Meyer adhered, is proposed as occupational therapy's central theme. Occupational genesis describes the development of function through orientations of egocentricity, exocentricity and consensuality, a sequence repeated throughout life in the acquisition of skill. The relationship is described between inherited and acquired automatic behaviour and purposeful activity, and their roles in adaptive development. The relevance of this conceptual system for the profession and for health care is suggested.