title: Occupational balance: A study of the sociocultural perspective of Iranian occupational therapists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The concept of occupational balance has always been important to occupational therapists and occupational scientists, but it is often interpreted differently by professionals, particularly in relation to practice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study focused on the understanding of occupational balance of a group of experienced occupational therapists who held positions at the time in Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  A preliminary qualitative study from within an interpretive paradigm was employed. A focus group was used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using thematic networks analysis in relation to occupational science concepts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four organizing themes were uncovered: integrity in being, equilibrium in doing, contentedness in becoming, and harmony in belonging. The global theme of "fluidity" describes the dynamic nature of occupational balance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The concept of occupational balance needs to be further explored in different communities. Identifying similarities and differences in its meaning and application will inform culturally relevant client-centred education and practice.
authors.forename: Farzaneh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yazdani
authors.forename: Dave
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Nastaran
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yazdani
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rassafiani
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Allied health personnel; Culture; Focus groups; Occupational science; Qualitative research