Definitions of occupational balance and their coverage by instruments

Introduction Occupational balance is an important and widely used concept in occupational therapy and occupational science. There is, however, not one unified definition in use, but several different ones, and thus instruments that measure the concept in research studies are diverse as well. Consequently, it is unclear how instruments and definitions correspond. The purpose of this study was to examine the coverage of occupational balance definitions by occupational balance instruments.Method Within a mixed-methods design we conducted a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of definitions and items of existing instruments. Definitions and items were extracted from articles identified in a systematic literature search. The extent of congruence and coverage between definitions and instruments was examined.Results The definitions used in 47 articles were structured into 19 categories. The categories which were found in most definitions were a balance of ‘various occupational patterns and areas’ (42; 89%) and ‘occupational accomplishment, performance, roles and responsibilities’ (35; 75%); 20 instruments were explored. Together they covered 16 (84%) of the 19 categories.Conclusion Knowing which instruments cover which dimensions of occupational balance can support occupational therapists, other health professionals and health researchers in their selection of an instrument to measure occupational balance.