Aktivitetsbalans och psykisk hälsa hos universitetsstudenter - En litteraturöversikt med utgångspunkt i Life Balance Model

Sammanfattning: Background: People depend on their ability to balance everyday activities in order to sustain mental well-being. Difficulties to combine university studies with the demands of life’s other responsibilities could be a reason for students' lower well-being. Aim: The aim of the literature study is to review the research on university students’ occupational balance and the consequences on their mental health through the Life Balance Model. Method: The literature study used a qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach applying the need dimensions of the Life Balance Model. Searches in the databases CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO and PubMed resulted in 13 original articles, of which four are qualitative, six are quantitative and three are of mixed method. Result: The result shows that mental distress and mental disorders occur along with difficulties reaching occupational balance between activities that meet the need dimensions of health, relationships, challenge, and identity. The result points at the complexity of everyday life, the impact of university studies on occupational balance and health, as well as available support. Conclusion: Occupational imbalance occurs as a result of difficulties combining university studies with everyday life and may lead to mental health consequences. Inadequate strategies among students and insufficient support from university could be remedied and prevented with further occupational science research and occupational therapy interventions.