A relação entre equilíbrio ocupacional, estresse percebido e atitudes de enfrentamento entre estudantes universitários

Resumen

Introduction: Occupational balance is a vital determinant of health and well-being, yet university students often experience significant imbalances due to academic, social, and developmental pressures. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationships between university students’ occupational balance, perceived stress, sources of stress, stress reactions, and coping attitudes. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 university students (aged 18–25). Data were collected using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11-T), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Student-life Stress Inventory-Revisited (SSI-R), and the Coping Attitudes Evaluation Scale-Revised (COPE-R). Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression to identify predictors of occupational balance. Results: Occupational balance was significantly negatively correlated with perceived stress (r= -0.55, p < 0.001) and SSI-R total scores. Adaptive coping strategies, such as approach and self-help, showed positive correlations with balance, while maladaptive strategies like avoidance and self-punishment were negatively associated. Regression analysis revealed that perceived stress was the strongest predictor, explaining 54% of the variance in occupational balance alongside socioeconomic factors and specific coping mechanisms. Conclusion: Reducing stress levels and fostering proactive coping attitudes are essential for achieving occupational balance. Occupational therapy interventions focusing on lifestyle management and stress reduction are recommended to enhance students’ quality of life and academic success.