Person‐object interaction model: Understanding the use of everyday objects

Abstract

This article explores the occupational use of everyday objects. It draws on current thinking within psychology, sociology, occupational therapy, and anthropology, to describe how actual and symbolic interaction with objects contributes to the development of human capacities and skills, and supports the development and maintenance of routine patterns of occupation. It proposes that objects are ascribed meaning through a process of symbolic interactionism, and that they influence self image. The proposed model of person‐object interaction is an open system. It builds on the Model of Human Occupation, conceptualising objects as having physical, occupational, and ideological domains.

Keywords:

• Human development
• Occupation
• Occupational performance
• Occupational use of objects