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

Area of Science:

• Occupational Science
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a 2-week lockdown in Israel.
• This period represented a significant disruption to daily life and routines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine shifts in daily occupation time-use during the initial COVID-19 lockdown.
• To analyze these changes based on gender and employment status.
• To investigate the relationship between optimism, positive affect, and daily occupations.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary, anonymous, online cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• 481 participants completed validated questionnaires on optimism, positive affect, and occupational patterns.
• Data were collected retrospectively regarding pre-lockdown and during-lockdown periods.

Main Results:

• Participants increased time allocated to recreation, rest, and sleep during lockdown.
• Women experienced higher rates of job loss compared to men.
• Women consistently dedicated more time to daily tasks and less to rest/sleep than men.
• Recreational activities showed a positive correlation with positive affect.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic induced a temporary disruption in occupational engagement.
• Despite altered time-use patterns, individuals found ways to maintain engagement in their occupations.
• Gender and employment status influenced occupational changes during the lockdown.