Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Research indicates that United States healthcare workers face significant burnout. College is a crucial period for preparing occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students to manage life balance, stress, and burnout as they transition into the workforce. However, there is limited understanding of these factors within this population. This study examined the relationship between OTA students' life balance and their perceived stress and occupational burnout, considering variables such as employment status, residential status, years of study, and age. A cross-sectional Qualtrics e-survey was administered to OTA students aged 18 and older, comprising a demographic survey, Life Balance Inventory (LBI), Perceived Stress Scale-Short (PSS-4), Single-Item Measure of Burnout (SIMB), and open-ended questions regarding students' perceptions of factors affecting their life balance. Results from 200 OTA students revealed an occupational imbalance with an overall LBI score of 1.99 (on a scale of 1-3, with 1.5 - 2.0 considered unbalanced). There were also significant differences among the LBI subscales. The study found moderate, inverse relationships between students’ life balance, perceived stress, and occupational burnout. No significant differences were observed across residential status, employment status, years of study, or age. Activities such as exercise and sleep were associated with positive life balance, while lack of sleep and insufficient relaxation time were perceived as detrimental. Findings suggest that addressing life balance and implementing strategies to mitigate stress and burnout are critical for their well-being and professional success. Further research is warranted to develop targeted support programs for OTA students.
Biography
Olivia W. Hammond, MBA, OTR/L, CHT, https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4763-6546, is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the Occupational Therapy Assistant Department, Penn State Mont Alto and a PPOTD student at Thomas Jefferson University.
Dr. Pamela Talero, OTD, OTR/L, BSc OT (Col), CPAM, https://orchid.org/0000-0002-1057-9736, is Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University.
Dr. Laura Cruz, Ph.D., https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5817-8934, is a Research Professor with the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at Penn State.
Linda Lilly, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with Dearborn Public Schools.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Hammond, O., Talero Cabrejo, P., Cruz, L., & Lilly, L. (2024). Life Balance, Stress, and Occupational Burnout in Occupational Therapy Assistant Students: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8 (4). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol8/iss4/2
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