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This article describes the Health Protection/Health Promotion Model of therapeutic recreation. Following a brief introduction and an overview of the model, concepts that underlie the model are presented. Concepts included are the humanistic perspective, high-level wellness, the stabilization and actualization tendencies, and health. Next presented is a description of the various components of the model and information on utilization of the model in practice. The final sections of the article are concerned with the model's strengths and limitations and the continuing development of the model. Health, nursing, psychology, therapeutic recreation, and recreation and leisure studies literature are drawn upon for support of the model.
KEY WORDS: Therapeutic Recreation, Model of Practice, Health Protection, Health Promotion
The Health Protection/Health Promotion Model
Conceptual models of therapeutic recreation provide explicit frames of reference to describe and direct professional practice. They are means for us to articulate what is distinctive about our profession. In this day of health care reform, it is especially critical that we are clear about our mission and are able to communicate our mission to clients and policy makers. Equally important is the role conceptual models play in directing practice. Therapeutic recreation practice models guide decision making for therapeutic recreation professionals and allow them to practice in a reasoned manner. I developed the Health Protection/Health Promotion Model to provide a comprehensive model for therapeutic recreation practice.
The Premise and Focus of the Model
The Health Protection/Health Promotion Model (Austin, 1996, 1997) stipulates that the purpose of therapeutic recreation is to assist persons to recover following threats to health (health protection) and to achieve as high a level of health as possible (health promotion). Under this model, "The mission of therapeutic recreation is to use activity, recreation, and leisure to help people to deal with problems that serve as barriers to health and to assist them to grow toward their highest levels of health and wellness" (Austin, 1997, p. 144).
Underlying Concepts
There are four major concepts that underlie the model. These are the humanistic perspective, high-level wellness, the stabi.lization and actualization tendencies, and health.
Humanistic Perspective
The Health Protection/Health Promotion Model rests on a humanistic perspective. Those who embrace the humanistic perspective believe that each of us has the responsibility for his or her...