Definitions of occupational balance and their coverage by instruments

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational balance is an important and widely used concept in occupational therapy and occupational science. There is, however, not one unified definition in use, but several different ones, and thus instruments that measure the concept in research studies are diverse as well. Consequently, it is unclear how instruments and definitions correspond. The purpose of this study was to examine the coverage of occupational balance definitions by occupational balance instruments. Method: Within a mixed-methods design we conducted a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of definitions and items of existing instruments. Definitions and items were extracted from articles identified in a systematic literature search. The extent of congruence and coverage between definitions and instruments was examined. Results: The definitions used in 47 articles were structured into 19 categories. The categories which were found in most definitions were a balance of 'various occupational patterns and areas' (42; 89%) and 'occupational accomplishment, performance, roles and responsibilities' (35; 75%); 20 instruments were explored. Together they covered 16 (84%) of the 19 categories. Conclusion: Knowing which instruments cover which dimensions of occupational balance can support occupational therapists, other health professionals and health researchers in their selection of an instrument to measure occupational balance.

Role of Rehabilitation in Promoting Engagement in Daily Life in Multiple Sclerosis

“…These findings may be potentially be extrapolated to the field of MS rehabilitation. 21 To assess occupational balance, Dür et al 22 provided an overview of 20 different instruments to be used in clinical practice or research in diverse target groups. 22 These instruments mainly assess a balance in the variety of occupational patterns and areas, the time use, the congruence among occupations and the meaning of occupations.…”

“…21 To assess occupational balance, Dür et al 22 provided an overview of 20 different instruments to be used in clinical practice or research in diverse target groups. 22 These instruments mainly assess a balance in the variety of occupational patterns and areas, the time use, the congruence among occupations and the meaning of occupations. 22 Although there is some evidence available on lifestyle balance, it can be considered as to perform habits, often leading to adaptation or outsourcing these habits, which on its turn may impact their identity.…”

Occupational therapists’ perception of the concept of occupational balance

“…Wagman et al [6] conducted a review to identify the gap in knowledge in the field of occupational balance. There have been a variety of studies trying to clarify different aspects related to this concept, including the definition [4,5,7], measurement [8][9][10][11][12][13] and application in practice [1,[14][15][16][17]. One significant aspect of occupational balance studies relates to the idea of balance between different aspects of life, such as work and leisure related activities or active and restful activities [2].…”

Family members’ needs and experiences related to driving disruption following acquired brain injury

“…In addition, the demand on time has practical and psychological implications for family members and affects the balance of personal and caregiving activities. Assessing time use and the perceived meaning and importance of occupations can help occupational therapists gain an understanding of family members' well-being and lifestyles (Dür et al, 2015;Hilbrecht et al, 2015;Pemberton & Cox, 2015). Time is intrinsically linked to occupation and this is well documented in the occupational therapy literature (Farnworth, 2003;A.…”

“… Assessing activities and occupational balance through the use of standardised assessments, for example, Instrument of Occupational Balance, Satisfaction with Daily Occupations Instrument (Dür et al, 2015). The commonly raised caregiving activities in Chapters 5 and 8 may be used as a guide to investigate and categorise the time use required for each of these activities and the value and meaning behind them.…”