Measuring Occupational Balance: A Theoretical Exploration of Two Approaches

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.