Everyday hassles and uplifts among women on long-term sick-leave due to stress-related disorders

Abstract

A balance between different experiences of occupations in everyday life is important for well-being. The study aim was to describe hassles and uplifts in everyday occupations among women on long-term sick-leave due to stress-related disorders. The sample consisted of 77 women and experiences were collected by the THU-5 instrument. The statements were analysed using quantitative content analysis. Data were categorized into three domains of hassles concerning oneself, doings, and social and physical context. The same domains occurred among the uplifts. Hassles were mostly generated by disturbing people around the women and by their limited body functions. The women were uplifted by supportive social relationships and by performing relaxing and calming occupations. The study illuminates the strong need for social support among women on sick-leave, as well as their low level of energy, which was an obvious obstacle for performing occupations. It is suggested that, in order to increase well-being in the target group, the occupational therapist should meet their need for occupations that match their current level of energy. The challenge for the client is to avoid remaining in a pattern of low-demand occupations without exceeding her/his capacity and returning to an unhealthy pattern of occupations.

Key words::

• occupational therapy
• occupational balance
• quantitative content analysis
• social support

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the occupational therapists Ingrid Jönsson, Kerstin Kniberg, Susanne Sverdrup, Pia Allvar, and Anita Bjerle-Frisk for collecting data and Ralf Askman for support during the documentation process. This project was financed by the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.