Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
This study employed a qualitatively-driven mixed method approach to exploring temporal occupational patterns among occupational therapy graduate students in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected from cohorts in 2021 and 2022 were contrasted with those previously reported for 2019 and 2020, highlighting how these patterns evolved over time. Notable changes in time use were identified between the 2021 and 2022 cohorts. In 2022, students reported increased time spent in class and in driving/community mobility, while their time dedicated to physical activity, health maintenance, and family interactions declined. The analysis revealed the complexity of students' time use due to multi-tasking or interruptions and a dissonance between desired and actual time use, similar to that reported for 2019 and 2020. Differences were noted in how occupations were categorized as 'main' and 'hidden', indicating shifts in student priorities and roles. The study provides valuable insights into the impacts of the pandemic on the lived experiences of occupational therapy students and illustrates how their perceptions of time use evolved over this period. Implications for occupational therapy education are discussed. This article highlights the fundamental role of time management, occupational balance, and technology use in student well-being, especially during crises. The researchers advocate for a broader focus in occupational therapy education, including leisure, social participation, and technology proficiency, to enhance student well-being and future performance.
Biography
Amanda C. Jozkowski, PhD, OTR/L is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Towson University Department of Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science. Her scholarship focuses on emergent issues and best practices in interdisciplinary clinical education. She received her PhD in occupational science from the University of Southern California.
Julie M. Werner, PhD, OTR/L, CHT is a lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and leads a team of occupational therapy hand specialists in the multidisciplinary Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Clinic at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She received her PhD in occupational science from the University of Southern California.
Meagan Downey, OTD is a recent graduate of Towson University's entry-level occupational therapy doctoral program, where she worked as a graduate research assistant to Dr. Jozkowski. Prior to pursuing occupational therapy, Dr. Downey received a master's degree in environmental education & interpretation from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point and enjoyed a decade-long career as an environmental educator.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Jozkowski, A. C., Werner, J. M., & Downey, M. (2025). Temporal Occupational Patterns Amidst COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis of Occupational Therapy Graduate Students’ Self-reports. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2025.090303
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