Kathleen Matuska

Randomized controlled trial of an energy conservation course for persons with multiple sclerosis

Objective: To assess the short-term efficacy and effectiveness of a six-week energy conservation course on fatigue impact, quality of life and self-efficacy for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 169 persons with MS to an immediate intervention group or a delayed control group using a crossover design. The outcome measures: Fatigue Impact Scale, SF-36 Health Survey and Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies were measured before and after courses and no intervention control periods. We performed intent-to-treat analysis and compliers-only analyses using mixed effects analysis of variance models. Results: Taking the energy conservation course had significant effects on reducing the physical and social subscales of Fatigue Impact Scale and on increasing the Vitality subscale of the SF-36 scores compared with not taking the course. Additional subscales were significant depending on methods of analyses. Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies Assessment increased significantly (p<0.05) postcourse compared to precourse. Conclusions: Results support the efficacy and effectiveness of the energy conservation course to decrease fatigue impact, and to increase self-efficacy and some aspects of quality of life.

A proposed model of lifestyle balance

The concept of lifestyle balance seems to have widespread acceptance in the popular press. The notion that certain lifestyle configurations might lend to better health, higher levels of life satisfaction and general well‐being is readily endorsed. However, the concept has not been given significant attention in the social and behavioral sciences literature and, as a result, lacks empirical support, and an agreed upon definition. This article presents a proposed model of lifestyle balance based on a synthesis of related research, asserting that balance is a perceived congruence between desired and actual patterns of occupation across five proposed need‐based occupational dimensions seen as necessary for wellbeing. It is asserted that the extent to which people find congruence and sustainability in these patterns of occupation that meet biological and psychological needs within their unique environments can lead to reduced stress, improved health, and greater life satisfaction.

Lifestyle Balance: A Review of Concepts and Research

Abstract The perceived stress of time‐pressures related to modern life in Western nations has heightened public interest in how lifestyles can be balanced. Conditions of apparent imbalance, such as workaholism, burnout, insomnia, obesity and circadian desynchronosis, are ubiquitous and have been linked to adverse health consequences. Despite this, little research has been devoted to the study of healthy lifestyle patterns. This paper traces the concept of lifestyle balance from early history, continuing with the mental hygiene movement of the early twentieth century, and extending to the present. Relevant threads of theory and research pertaining to time use, psychological need satisfaction, role‐balance, and the rhythm and timing of activities are summarized and critiqued. The paper identifies research opportunities for occupational scientists and occupational therapists, and proposes that future studies connect existing research across a common link—the identification of occupational patterns that reduce stress. The importance of such studies to guide health promotion, disease prevention and social policy decisions necessary for population health in the 21st century is emphasized.

Lifestyle balance: How it is described and experienced by women with multiple Sclerosis

This phenomenological study used focus groups to explore the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes about lifestyle balance of 13 women with multiple sclerosis. The analysis was in two phases, the first used grounded theory methods that generated categories and sub‐themes and the second used a matrix analysis that cross‐referenced the findings with the 5 dimensions of Matuska and Christiansens (2008) model of lifestyle balance. Results from the second phase are reported. Participants emphasized their desire to be physically healthy with minimal stress, the importance of meaningful relationships, their need for a personal identity unrelated to multiple sclerosis, the importance of rewarding and stimulating activities, and the challenge of managing their energy to achieve daily goals. These findings provide validity evidence for the model of lifestyle balance as a useful theoretical foundation for understanding the lifestyle needs of women with multiple sclerosis.

Validity evidence for a model and measure of life balance.

This study examined the construct validity of a model and measure of life balance conceptualized as congruence among both desired and actual time spent in activities, and equivalence in the degree of discrepancy between desired and actual time spent across activities that meet health, relationship, challenge/interest, and identity needs. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships between life balance, perceived stress, personal well-being, and need satisfaction. A total of 458 participants representing mixed demographic groups participated in the study by completing four instruments. Structural equation modeling results indicated that congruence moderated by equivalence predicted lower stress, higher personal well-being, and higher need satisfaction, but equivalence alone did not. Working, having children at home, and being non-white negatively moderated congruence and larger family size positively moderated congruence. This study provides initial construct validity evidence for the model and measure of life balance.

Workaholism, Life Balance, and Well-Being: A Comparative Analysis

This is a discussion of two major concepts common in the popular parlance; workaholism and life balance. Related research and assumptions underlying each are presented along with a discussion of how the two concepts relate to each other and to well‐being. This review finds that workaholism can be described as a form of life imbalance when viewed from several different theoretical perspectives. Although workaholism and life balance concepts are widely used with growing evidence suggesting negative consequence of workaholism on life balance and personal and family well‐being, there is no conclusive evidence linking them. This review of literature calls for additional research about the relationship of workaholism to life balance and personal and family well‐being.

How life balance is perceived by Swedish women recovering from a stress‐related disorder: A validation of the life balance model

This phenomenological research is the second part of two analysis phases. The purpose of the first analysis phase was to gain insights about the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes about lifestyle balance of 19 women who were recovering from stress‐related disorders. The findings indicated that the women perceived both balance and imbalance relative to their image of occupational self, strategies to manage and control everyday life, occupational repertoire, and occupational experience. The purpose of the second analysis phase was to re‐analyze the data for its congruence with the Matuska and Christiansen life balance model using a matrix system, and to test the validity of the model. Results from the second phase are reported. When discussing the continuum between balance and imbalance in their lives, the women described occupations that met needs related to each of the five lifestyle balance model dimensions. They felt balanced or imbalanced depending on whether they were able to maintain their physical health, nurture important relationships, create a positive identity, pursue rewarding and stimulating occupations, and manage their time and energy to achieve daily goals and renewal. These findings provide additional validity for the life balance model, which may be used in occupational science.

Life Balance and Perceived Stress: Predictors and Demographic Profile

This article explored differences in life balance scores between demographic groups and whether life balance predicted perceived stress. This research used secondary analysis of 1,048 subjects from a database for the Life Balance Inventory (LBI). Analysis of variance showed that the profile of people with the highest total life balance scores was: white, 61 years or older, earned a masters degree, had incomes between

Life Balance and Stress in Adults With Medical Conditions or Obesity.

81,000 and

Building the science of the profession.

100,000, lived in the suburbs, had two children (but the children were not at home), were not working (if working, they were self-employed), owned a home, and lived in the United States. Other demographic groups differed in their LBI subscale scores. Regression analysis showed that life balance scores predicted lower perceived stress scores. This research provides additional construct validity evidence for the LBI and its associated Life Balance Model.