How life balance is perceived by Swedish women recovering from a stress‐related disorder: A validation of the life balance model

Abstract

This phenomenological research is the second part of two analysis phases. The purpose of the first analysis phase was to gain insights about the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes about lifestyle balance of 19 women who were recovering from stress‐related disorders. The findings indicated that the women perceived both balance and imbalance relative to their image of occupational self, strategies to manage and control everyday life, occupational repertoire, and occupational experience. The purpose of the second analysis phase was to re‐analyze the data for its congruence with the Matuska and Christiansen life balance model using a matrix system, and to test the validity of the model. Results from the second phase are reported. When discussing the continuum between balance and imbalance in their lives, the women described occupations that met needs related to each of the five lifestyle balance model dimensions. They felt balanced or imbalanced depending on whether they were able to maintain their physical health, nurture important relationships, create a positive identity, pursue rewarding and stimulating occupations, and manage their time and energy to achieve daily goals and renewal. These findings provide additional validity for the life balance model, which may be used in occupational science.