Original conceptual modelling of the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability: An investigation of philosophical assumptions

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational therapy models are developed over long periods of time through iterative processes of conceptual modelling, including descriptions of philosophical assumptions about the physical and social world.  Occupational therapy models serve as a means through which discipline-specific bodies of knowledge can be understood and communicated. The Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA) has been taught and used by South African occupational therapists for over five decades. The longevity of the VdTMoCA attests to its theoretical and practice-based enculturation in the national professional discourse. An investigation of Du Toit’s original philosophical assumptions paves the way for deeper understanding of the enculturation process.

Method: Critical ethnographic methodology framed the selection and review of four original papers by Du Toit. Document analysis yielded ontological, epistemological, methodological and axiological philosophical assumptions. 

Findings: Three themes: “Humans and their reality”, “Creative ability and practice” and “Application [of creative ability] in occupational therapy” captured the philosophical assumptions underpinning a creative ability mindset that emerged from Du Toit’s writings.

Conclusion: Du Toit’s original philosophical assumptions underlying the VdTMoCA established empirically, provides a baseline for further education and research efforts.

Implications for practice:

When practice models are used, their underlying philosophical assumptions should be considered to ensure the best person-context-model fit.