Applying Object Relations Theory to Psychosocial Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses some important aspects of object relations theory and explores whether object relations theory fills the requirements for a conceptual model of practice for occupational therapy. This paper presents the work of two theorists of potential interest to occupational therapy-Harry Stack Sullivan and Donald Woods Winnicott. To explore whether object relations theory fills the requirements for a conceptual model of practice for occupational therapy, Kielhofner's (1997) criteria for a conceptual model of practice are used, and an attempt to formulate an object relations model for occupational therapy practice is outlined. It is concluded that object relations theory provides important knowledge, and it is possible to formulate a conceptual model of practice for psychosocial occupational therapy based on this theory. Further empirical studies, however, are necessary to evaluate and refine such a model.

Key Words:

• Psychosocial occupational therapy
• object relations theory
• practice model