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Measuring occupational balance: a theoretical exploration of two approaches
Dana R Anaby1, Catherine L Backman, Tal Jarus
1School of Rehabilitation Science, CanChild Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. anabydan@gmail.com
Background:
Occupational balance is a fundamental yet complex concept in occupational therapy requiring empirical study.
Purpose:
To advance the theoretical discussion of occupational balance, its measurement and relationship to well-being.
Methods:
In part one of this 2-phase study, 122 adults completed a bipolar measure of occupational balance, the Cross Impact Matrix (CIM) of the Personal Project Analysis and two well-being measures: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS). In part two, 24 adults completed the Inter-goal Relations Questionnaire (IRQ), a unipolar measure of occupational balance (harmony) and imbalance (conflict), plus the SWLS and PANAS.
Findings:
Neither the CIM scores nor IRQ occupational balance/harmony were associated with well-being whereas the IRQ occupational imbalance/conflict was significantly associated with SWLS.
Implications:
Dimensions of occupational balance (conflict and harmony) may be best measured separately. To promote well-being attention can be given to reducing conflict across occupations.
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