A Study on Occupational Balance Among Different Mentally Ill Patients in Tamil Nadu

Background: Mental illnesses encompass a range of conditions that significantly affect individuals’ mood, thinking, and behavior, leading to challenges in daily functioning and quality of life. Occupational balance, a vital concept in occupational therapy, emphasizes the need for equitable engagement across work, leisure, self-care, and rest to enhance mental well-being. However, the relationship between mental illnesses and occupational balance remains underexplored in diverse populations. Aim: To evaluate occupational balance among individuals with different mental illnesses in Tamil Nadu, and to compare occupational balance across gender, socio-economic status, and diagnostic categories. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 participants with mental illnesses, selected through convenient sampling. Occupational balance was assessed using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics to compare occupational balance across demographic and clinical variables. Results: The findings revealed no significant difference in occupational balance between male and female participants (p=0.990) or across socio-economic status groups (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was observed between individuals with psychosis and personality disorders (p=0.045), indicating greater occupational imbalance in the psychosis group. No significant differences were found between psychosis and neurosis or between neurosis and personality disorders. Conclusion: This study highlights the influence of specific mental health diagnoses on occupational balance, with psychosis having a greater impact compared to personality disorders. Gender and socio-economic status did not significantly affect occupational balance. These findings emphasize the need for diagnosis-specific interventions to improve occupational balance in individuals with mental illnesses.