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Occupational Balance, Quality of Life, and Recovery Among Older Mental Health Service Users—A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Occupational balance is associated with better quality of life and recovery in mental health service users; however, research focusing on such relationships among older adults within this group remains scarce. This explorative cross-sectional study examined relationships between occupational balance and quality of life and recovery in 49 older mental health service users, while also investigating how anxiety/depression and living arrangement (cohabiting vs. living alone) influenced those relationships. Self-report questionnaires were used, then analyzed statistically. Participants generally perceived occupational balance. Under-occupation-especially in leisure-was more common than over-occupation. Occupational balance was positively associated with quality of life and recovery, although anxiety/depression symptoms formed an even stronger predictor. The findings highlight the need for recovery-oriented interventions that include occupational balance with particular emphasis on leisure activities, and assessing perceived occupational balance can serve as a useful complement to traditional assessments of quality of life and recovery.

Source: Occupational Therapy In Health Care

DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2026.2688258

Authors: Carina Tordai, Steven M. Schmidt, Elisabeth Argentzell, Mona Eklund

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Therapy Practice and Research

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Vetenskapsrådet, Forskningsrådet om Hälsa, Arbetsliv och Välfärd, Stiftelsen Solstickan, Region Skåne