COMPONENTS OF

FRAME OF REFERENCE
PRESENTED BY: PRIYANKA SEHRAWAT
FRAME OF REFERENCE

• Derived from a profession’s model, much narrower in focus and different in intent i.e. to
formulate treatment strategies directed to specific areas of practice.
• Makes use of only those theoretical principles relevant to a specific area of human functioning
and are also consistent with the philosophical assumptions of the model of the profession.
• A model defines the profession generically.
• Frame of reference describe varying treatment techniques used within a profession and specific
to health problems encountered in practice.
• All treatment techniques are derived from frame of reference.
COMPONENTS

• A frame of reference consists of four hierarchical components (Mosey, 1970):

i. Theoretical base (propositions)
ii. Function-dysfunction continuum
iii. Behaviors indicative of function-dysfunction
iv. Postulates regarding change and intervention
• These components generate evaluation, activity analysis, and treatment principles, and
define expected outcomes of treatment.
THEORETICAL BASE

• It serves as the basis from which all the components are derived.
• It is founded on concepts, definition, and postulates from one or more theories that have
been reformulated to provide guidelines for evaluation and intervention.
• The theories selected are relevant to a specific area of human functioning addressed by
the frame of reference and they relate to the potential effect of the human and non human
environment on that area of human functioning.
• The resulting FOR is as strong as the theories that make up its theoretical base.
FUNCTION-DYSFUNCTION CONTINUA

• It uses the concepts from the theoretical base to identify the nature of dysfunctional behaviours that
are targeted for change by the FOR.
• A gradation is implied from total inability to engage in a particular function to complete mastery of
that function.
• The continuum implies that function can be understood only in relation to patient’s age, cultural
background, physiologic status, and environmental circumstances.
• It specify what the therapist will assess during evaluation and the goals or expected outcomes of
treatment.
• It can be one or more depending on the scope of the area addressed by the FOR.
BEHAVIORS INDICATIVE OF FUNCTION OR DYSFUNCTION

• It defines the behaviors that demonstrate function or dysfunction within each continuum.
• They serve as the basis for evaluation tools and activity analysis related to evaluation.
• Evaluative activities are selected in relation to their potential to elicit behaviors to be
observed that differentiate between function and dysfunction.
POSTULATES REGARDING CHANGE AND INTERVENTION

• It states the nature, quality, quantity, and sequence of interaction within the human and
non human environment that can potentially effect change in dysfunctional behaviors.
• Guide the therapist in selecting short and long term goals and in sequencing the treatment
process.
• It also guides the therapist in designing appropriate activities and environments to
promote change.
• It serves as the conceptual basis for therapeutic modalities and techniques.
THANK YOU