Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee ML(1), Mang WH(1), Lee WK(1), Chin YM(1)
Introduction :
In Occupational Therapy, ‘occupation’ refers to goal-directed activities that enhance wellbeing and provide hope and meaning. Many individuals overlooked these activities, leading to imbalanced lifestyles and reduced life satisfaction. A Lifestyle Redesign (LSRD) program was developed based on the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model to help participants reflect holistically on their life experiences and understand how interactions among life domains impact their occupational engagement. Occupations were introduced as life roles to aid participants’ understanding.
Methodology :
From February to November 2025, 18 participants completed the program (10 females, 8 males). Participants were recruited from psychiatric inpatient settings and participated in pre- and post- semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Result & Outcome :
Four themes were identified and described participants’ experience. (1)Uncovering the impacts of imbalanced lifestyle on wellbeing: Interviews revealed most participants had not previously reflected on their lifestyles, suggesting limited awareness of lifestyle modification before joining the program. They described premorbid lifestyles as simple, repetitive, and unstructured, offering little meaning. Participants acknowledged that imbalanced lifestyles led to negative emotions, limited social circles, unstable employment, and difficulties with change, with male participants especially unclear on the impact of their lifestyles on wellbeing.(2)Expanding the meaning and recognition of occupations: After joining the program, participants’ recognition of life roles expanded beyond the family setting. While many still identified their roles primarily as family-related, valuing their responsibilities to relatives and the care they received in return, not all participants, especially males, clearly recognised their roles. Following program participation, family roles remained most valued, but participants also acknowledged occupations in broader contexts, such as the workplace and social environment, recognising the responsibilities and independence involved. (3)Growing awareness and hope for changes: Most participants felt more hopeful after learning about balanced lifestyles. They gained insights into self-care, time management, and stress management, expressing motivation for change. Participants believed these lifestyle changes could provide structure and meaning, fostering stability, reducing boredom, and enhancing emotional regulation. A few also recognised that lifestyle modification could nurture resilience.(4)Peer and experiential learning as valued by service users: Participants appreciated open discussions with peers and the Occupational Therapist, finding the program’s information practical for lifestyle change. The cooking group was particularly favoured, reigniting some participants’ passion for healthy eating after long disengagement. Conclusion: Overall, the program provided knowledge while helping participants unlearn their previous experiences, providing hope and insights for building a balanced lifestyle. Participants expressed a desire for social connections, highlighting the need to enhance the LSRD program to connect them with social resources for meaningful transformation.
