A scoping review of occupational balance among individuals with mental disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) review research on occupational balance for individuals with mental disorders and 2) clarify the target of occupational balance evaluation. Regarding 1), we conducted a scoping review through searching seven databases, conducting a hand search, and selecting the articles according to the eligibility criteria. As a result, we found 18 articles which were categorized by 13 cross-sectional studies, 2 case reports, and 3 intervention studies. There were no qualitative studies, and two of the studies were conducted in Japan. The knowledge gaps which emerged from this investigation are a limitation of only three intervention studies with different intervention methods, which made generalizations difficult. Furthermore, and there were no qualitative studies. It is necessary to consider the use of instruments developed overseas and to develop new ones.