University students’ Experiences of Occupational Balance in Response to the Environmental Changes Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Occupational balance and associated factors among students during higher education within healthcare and social work in Sweden: a multicentre repeated cross-sectional study

“…This is important, put in relation to other studies on health promotion, which indicate that enhancing relationships may be a way to support psychosocial needs for confirmation and belonging. 12 49 Lexén et al 48 also describe an increase in the individual responsibility for occupational balance in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may explain the decrease in OBQ11 levels in the sample in this study. Students with higher occupational balance may also have high demands on their own performance, their study situation and those around them.…”

“… 21 Another explanation for the contradictory findings can be the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on students in higher education. As described by Lexén et al , 48 the shift from campus-based education to online distance learning limited students’ psychosocial and physical environments, leading to insufficient social interaction with teachers and studymates. This is important, put in relation to other studies on health promotion, which indicate that enhancing relationships may be a way to support psychosocial needs for confirmation and belonging.…”

“…Students with higher occupational balance may also have high demands on their own performance, their study situation and those around them. 48 Continuing studies are required to deepen the understanding of factors that affect students’ experiences of the demands of the study situation and balance in relation to the rest of one’s life situation. In addition, health-promoting resources should be strengthened during education so that higher education within healthcare and social work can be well-equipped to support a sustainable working life.…”

“…This is important, put in relation to other studies on health promotion, which indicate that enhancing relationships may be a way to support psychosocial needs for confirmation and belonging. 12 49 Lexén et al 48…”