A landmark publication in occupational therapy and a significant contribution to the rehabilitation theory literature! The Kawa Model presents a new conceptual model of practice that differs from contemporary theories in regard to: origin (East Asia), underlying philosophical base (East Asia), being heavily infused with a natural-ecological, holistic world view, and relational structure. The model is based on the metaphor of nature (a river) that stands for the meanings of life. Because of the familiarity of the metaphor, to both therapists and clients alike, the Kawa Model is relatively easy to comprehend, remarkably simple, yet comprehensive and effective. Unlike other models, it was raised from clinical practice, by practitioners, through a process of qualitative research methods. It is the first conceptual model and substantial theoretical work of occupational therapy from outside of the Western world.
Key Features
- A 'must-read' for all students of occupational therapy
- The first substantial work in occupational therapy from outside of the Western world
- Introduces an Eastern perspective on matters of theory and culture in occupational therapy
- Eight case studies, four from Western practice contexts and four from the East
- Developed by clinicians and practitioners for their peers
- Questions the cultural boundaries of occupational therapy, its knowledge (epistemiology), theory and practice. It puts the reader in touch with the cultural nature of self, client and profession
- Enables readers to develop critical analysis skills for examining matters of theory and culture, as opposed to learning theory as 'recipes'
Author Information
By Michael K. Iwama, PhD, MSc, BSc, BScOT, OT(C), Associate Professor, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation,Sciences, and Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Chapter1 - Situating occupational therapy's knowledge: why alternative conceptualisations and models of occupational therapy are required
Chapter 2 - Cross-cultural concepts as the building blocks of conceptual models: occupation
Chapter 3 - Occupational therapy theory: cultural inclusion and exclusion
Chapter 4 - Context and theory: culteral antecedents of the Kawa model part 1
Chapter 5 - Context and theroy: culteral antecedents of the Kawa model part 2
Chapter 6 - Raising a new, culturally relevant conceptual model of occupational therapy from practice
Chapter 7 - An overview of the Kawa model
Chapter 8 - Applying the Kawa model: comprehending occupation in context
Chapter 9 - Rivers in context: brief narratives and cases demonstrating uses of the Kawa model
Chapter 10 - Towards culturally relevant and safe theroy in occupational therapy
Index