Using a time-geographical diary method in order to facilitate reflections on changes in patterns of daily occupations

Abstract

Objective and methods: Time-use methodologies have been proposed to be established research techniques when exploring aspects of daily occupations. In this study, two graphs illustrating the time arrangement of occupations as they appear in a continuous sequence, where used in order to encourage individuals to reflect on their everyday life.The aim was to investigate the usefulness of a time-geographical diary method (using illustrative graphs) in combination with stimulated-recall interviews, to facilitate reflections on how patterns of daily occupations change over time and the causes that lie behind these changes. The study had a qualitative design. The participants were two working, married mothers; i.e. individuals considered to have highly complex patterns of daily occupations. The data analysis was performed by using thematic content analysis. Results:The results showed that the stimulated-recall interviews, based on the graphs, facilitated new insights that came to light concerning the scope of the participant's daily life. The method enabled the participants to reflect on their patterns of daily occupations and become aware of changes relevant to explain the causes for engaging in occupations the way they did. Conclusion: The method thus seems useful in research and practice for occupational therapists working with individuals with a need to change lifestyle.

Shared Patterns of Daily Occupations among Parents of Children Aged 4–6 Years Old with Obesity

“…It has been shown that time-geographical diaries transformed to graphs have a potential to facilitate the author of the diary in reflecting on his/ her own daily routines and how daily activities are merged with those of other family members and colleagues (Orban et al, 2012). Furthermore, there is evidence for that participation in what the individual regards as meaningful occupations supports physical, psychological, cognitive, social and spiritual well-being, and that interventions designed to increase participation together with others can have a positive impact on health (Clark, 1997;Wilcock, 2006).…”

“…In order to capture the participants' own perspectives of what they were doing, the diaries had an open format, except for headings regarding: what time it was (when changing occupation), what occupation was being performed, where the person was, together with whom, and additional comments regarding their state of mind during the occupation (Ellegård, 1999). The usefulness of the method has been tested in previous studies which aimed to facilitate reflection on patterns of daily occupations (Liedberg, Hesselstrand, & Henriksson, 2004;Nordell, 2002;Orban, Edberg, & Erlandsson, 2012). To ensure the validity of the data collected, the participants rated on a five-point scale (graded from 5 0 'very well' to 1 0 'not at all') how well the day documented represented an average day in…”

Temporal Patterns of Daily Occupations among Older Adults in Northern Sweden

“…The method has been used to describe daily life in different populations Erlandsson & Eklund, 2006;Erlandsson, Rognvaldsson, & Eklund, 2004;Kroksmark & Nordell, 2001;Kroksmark et al, 2006;Liedberg, Hesselstrand, & Henriksson, 2004;Orban et al, 2011). We could find no time-geographic studies that described healthy older adults' temporal patterns of occupations as sequences of real time-use.…”

“…People make decisions on how to organize their occupations into sequences in time (Cynkin & Robinson, 1990;Ellegård, 1999;Haglund & Henriksson, 1995;Orban, Edberg, & Erlandsson, 2011) and, by doing so, integrate their occupational performance into habits and routines within their temporal pattern of occupations (Christiansen & Baum, 1997;Clark, 2000). Over their life span, people learn to perform occupations that will constitute their unique occupational repertoire.…”

What Can Be Learned From Adolescent Time Diary Research

“…overall patterns of daily life, including sleep, eating habits, mass media consumption, extra-curricular activities, and relationships with parents and peers" [50, p.413]. Thus, all the activities performed by an individual in a 24-hour cycle are seen as the building blocks that create an overall pattern of time use [51]. Moreover, the finite nature of time requires trade-offs among necessary and desired activities [52].…”