Changes in Daily Occupations Patterns, Optimism, and Positive Affect During COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Background. The COVID-19 outbreak caused an initial 2-week lockdown throughout Israel. Purpose. To identify (1) changes in time-usage patterns of daily occupations during the first COVID-19 lockdown, by gender and employment status, and (2) correlations among optimism, positive affect, and daily occupations during the lockdown. Method. In a voluntary, anonymous, retrospective, online cross-sectional survey, 481 participants completed the Life Orientation Test, Positive Affect Questionnaire, and Occupational Questionnaire. Findings. During lockdown, participants spent more time in recreation, rest, and sleep regardless of their employment status, and more women than men lost their employment. Both before and during lockdown, women spent significantly higher percentage of time performing everyday tasks but reported less rest and sleep than men. Recreation was associated with positive affect. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic created a temporary occupational disruption. Although people devoted their time differently, the lockdown forced people to find ways to continue engaging in their occupations.

Three Perspectives on Older Adults’ Daily Performance, Health, and Technology Use During COVID-19: Focus Group Study

“…Nevertheless, previous studies focused almost entirely on older adults’ perspectives regarding daily activity performance. For example, Israeli studies of activity performance during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on adults (18 years and older) in general without addressing the specific needs and experiences of older adults (65 years and older) [ 5 10 ]. It remains unclear how older adults adjusted their daily activity performance in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.…”

“…Previous cross-sectional studies among Israeli adults (18 years and older) during COVID-19 highlighted the importance of maintaining daily routines. Their findings showed that Israeli adults discontinued some activities and modified their environment, often opting for solitude or staying home [ 5 10 ]. Cultural influences greatly determine how older adults navigate daily activities and use technology [ 21 ], thus requiring insight into their experiences.…”

Introduction to the Special Issue on Occupational Participation in Times of Adversity

“…Les résultats de l’étude mettent également en relief l’importance des activités significatives pour le bien-être psychosocial. Segev-Jacubovski (2023) explore de son côté aussi les changements dans les patrons occupationnels ayant découlé des politiques pandémiques, et tout particulièrement du confinement très contraignant qui a été décrété pendant deux semaines en Israël. L’article « Changements dans les patrons occupationnels quotidiens, optimisme et affects positifs durant le confinement associé à la COVID-19 » (« Changes in daily occupations patterns, optimism, and positive affect during COVID-19 lockdown ») décrit comment la répartition du temps des adultes entre les catégories occupationnelles a changé durant le confinement (par exemple, moins de travail et plus d’activités récréatives), et décèle une légère corrélation entre l’augmentation du temps consacré à des occupations récréatives et les affects positifs.…”

“…Their findings also highlight how important meaningful activity is for psychosocial well-being. Segev-Jacubovski (2023) also explored shifts in occupation patterns due to pandemic policies, specifically, the very restrictive 2-week lockdown in Israel. “Changes in daily occupations patterns, optimism, and positive affect during COVID-19 lockdown” describes how adults’ time use shifted across occupational categories during lockdown (such as less work and more recreational occupations), and found a small association between more time spent in recreational occupations and positive affect.…”