Ecology of Human Performance Model
Originally designed as a model for occupational therapy curriculum development and interdisciplinary research and practice at the University of Kansas, EHP’s main focus is on contexts (Dunn, 2007; Dunn et al., 1994). Ecology is defined as the transactions between people and their contexts/environments.
Framework Focus
EHP emphasizes the importance of the contexts and environments within which people of all ages perform tasks. The Framework (2014) defines four occupational contexts—personal, cultural, temporal, and virtual—and two environments—physical and social. The construct of the person in EHP includes most of the client factors described in the Framework, physical, sensorimotor, and psychosocial skills (motor, process, and social interaction skills), and the ability to attach meaning to tasks (spiritual) within specific environments. Tasks may fall within any of the occupations of the Framework: self-care, instrumental activities of daily living, work, education, play, leisure, rest and sleep, and/or social participation. Intervention descriptions within this model also resonate closely with Framework concepts, including establishing or restoring task performance abilities, adapting/modifying the task or context, altering contexts, preventing circumstances that may cause problems, and creating opportunities for task performance that may also take the form of advocating for occupational justice (Brown, 2014).
Basic Assumptions
There are four basic constructs and five basic assumptions presented within this model. The words task or activity are used to facilitate communication with other disciplines.