The, Means/Ends Controversy: A Framework for Understanding the Value Potential ofTR

Authors

  • Kenneth E Mobily
  • Ellen Weissinger
  • Benjamin K Hunnicutt

Keywords:

Value, Therapeutic Recreation, Philosophy, Theory, Context

Abstract

Three theoretical approaches to TR have dominated the literature. Instrumental and intrinsic approaches respectively contend that TR is the means for bringing about therapeutic change or that play is the end at which TR aims. Recently, however, some have sought to combine the instrumental and intrinsic approaches, maintaining that play as therapy can be understood both in terms ofa means and an end. An obvious paradox develops from the combined rationale-can recreation be therapeutic as both a means and an end? We maintain that this means-ends paradox is so because we try to impose too narrow a context upon TR. What  is needed  isa construct that does justice to  TR's dualistic value potential. We believe the choosing-for-playingconstruet proposed in this article, and other similar models, provides such a framework. We also explain what implications contextual models hold for TR practice, research and thinking.

Published

1987-07-01

Issue

Section

Regular Papers