Measuring occupational balance: a theoretical exploration of two approaches.
BACKGROUND
Occupational balance is a fundamental yet complex concept in occupational therapy requiring empirical study.


OBJECTIVE
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
School of Rehabilitation Science, CanChild Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. anabydan@gmail.com
Dana R
DR
Anaby
Catherine L
CL
Backman
Tal
T
Jarus
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires