The linkage between patterns of daily occupations and occupational balance: Applications within occupational science and occupational therapy practice

Abstract

Patterns of daily occupations (PDO) and occupational balance (OB) are recurring phenomena in the literature. Both are related with health and well-being, which makes them central in occupational therapy practice and occupational science. The aim was to review how PDO and OB are described in the literature, to propose a view of how the two constructs may be linked, and elaborate on how such a view may benefit occupational science and occupational therapy. The literature was analysed by latent and manifest content analysis and comparative analysis. The findings were summarized in a model, framing PDO as the more objective and OB as the more subjective result from an interaction between personal preferences and environmental influences. The proposed model does not assume a cause-effect relationship between the targeted constructs, rather a mutual influence and a joint reaction to influencing factors. Indicators of PDO and OB were identified, as well as tools for assessing PDO and OB. The authors propose that discerning PDO and OB as separate but interacting phenomena may be useful in developing a theoretical discourse in occupational science and enhancing occupational therapy practice. Although the scope of this study was limited, the proposed view may hopefully inspire further scrutiny of constructs.

The Norwegian Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11-N) – development and pilot study

“…Based on focus groups interviews with 19 women with stress-related disorder, Håkansson and co-workers also suggested a relationship between occupational balance and well-being mediated by manageability, control, and a harmonious occupational repertoire (3). This linkage makes the concept of occupational balance essential in occupational therapy practice as well as in occupational science (4).…”

Organisational factors and occupational balance in working parents in Sweden

“…In general, perceived organisational support, such as having a clear structure for handover and co-worker and supervisor support could be positive resources to prevent stress-related disorders (26). To experience that one does not have enough resources can, however, lead to work-family conflict (17) and occupational imbalance (9).…”

“…A recent study also showed an association between lack of engagement in valued occupations, little variation between the occupations and high C-Reactive Protein (CRP) among people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (8). Furthermore, an individual´s experience of occupational balance is influenced by the demands and resources in the environment in which he or she lives and acts (9), for example the work environment. It is therefore of interest to study if organisational factors are associated with occupational balance.…”

“…Christiansen (11) described occupational balance as a personally satisfying pattern of occupations. Later studies have also emphasized that a variation between the occupations is needed (9,12) and that the experience of occupational balance is subjective (9,12). Occupations that are relaxing or pleasurable seem to be important for the experience of occupational balance (13).…”

Time for Activities for Girls and Women with Rett Syndrome

“…In a review of the linkage of the two concepts 'patterns of daily occupations' and 'occupational balance' the authors described the concepts as separate but interacting phenomena (Eklund et al, 2017). An individual's pattern of daily occupations is influenced by time, space, and an arrangement of temporal and spatial elements connected with experiences.…”