PERSON-ENVIRONMENT-OCCUPATION MODEL OF MEALTIME PERFORMANCE IN OLDER PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA - Theory Analysis

Sep 29, 2026

Mealtime challenges are common among people living with dementia and meaningfully shape quality of life and nutritional status. The study distinguishes mealtime performance from narrower ideas such as eating behaviors or feeding difficulties by emphasizing holistic functional capacity. It provides a theory analysis of the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model for older adults with dementia, applying Walker and Avant’s systematic approach to evaluate origins, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, generalizability, parsimony, and testability. Results show strong conceptual fit and highlight person-environment and environment-occupation transactions as guidance for nursing science and person-centered interventions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Theory focus and rationale

Clarifying mealtime performance

PEO model overview

Walker and Avant theory analysis

Origins and meaning

Logical adequacy and usefulness

Generalizability, parsimony, and testability

Findings and implications

Person-environment-occupation transactions

Nursing science and long-term care applications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 943 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3187 PERSON-ENVIRONMENT-OCCUPATION MODEL OF MEALTIME PERFORMANCE IN OLDER PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: THEORY ANALYSIS Zih-Ling Wang1, and Basia Belza2, 1. University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington, United States, 2. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States 944 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Mealtime challenges are prevalent among people living with dementia (PLWD) and significantly affect their quality of life and nutritional status. Mealtime performance differs from concepts like “eating behaviors” or “feeding difficulties” by focusing on the holistic functional capacity rather than isolated challenges. This paper presents a theory analysis of the Person-EnvironmentOccupation (PEO) Model as applied to mealtime performance in older people with dementia, using Walker and Avant’s systematic approach. The PEO Model provides a holistic framework for understanding the dynamic interactions between individuals, their environments, and their occupations. The analysis examines the model’s origins, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, generalizability, parsimony, and testability in the context of mealtime performance for PLWD. Findings indicate that the PEO Model effectively conceptualizes how personal factors, environmental factors, and occupational factors interact to influence mealtime performance. The transactions between person-environment, environment-occupation, and person-occupation provide valuable insights into barriers and facilitators of successful mealtime engagement. While the PEO model has been extensively used asa framework in occupational therapy practice, it has yet to be fully applied within nursing science, particularly in dementia care. This model has potential applications in long-term care settings, where environmental modifications and personalized approaches can enhance mealtime participation. This analysis contributes to nursing science by providing a theoretical foundation for developing person-centered interventions for PLWD across different care settings.

FAQs

What is “mealtime performance” in this paper, and how is it different from feeding difficulties?

Mealtime performance centers on holistic functional capacity rather than isolated challenges. It is distinguished from concepts such as eating behaviors or feeding difficulties by focusing on overall functional functioning during meals.

Which framework is used to analyze the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model?

The paper applies Walker and Avant’s systematic approach to analyze the PEO model. It evaluates origins, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, generalizability, parsimony, and testability.

What interactions does the analysis identify as important for mealtime outcomes in people with dementia?

The analysis highlights dynamic transactions among person-environment, environment-occupation, and person-occupation. These interactions provide insight into barriers and facilitators to successful mealtime engagement.

Sep 29, 2026

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