The influence on daily occupations of Danish adolescents experiencing stress.

Abstract

Background: Stress, particularly prevalent during adolescence, is linked to negative outcomes like anxiety and depression. Without support, it can impact education, employability, and social relations as it is closely associated with resilience and adaptive capacity. However, it is unknown how adolescents who experience stress perceive and engage in daily occupations.

Aims/objectives: To explore occupations among adolescents aged 16-20 years, reporting feelings of stress. Specifically, to investigate if adolescents reporting feeling stressed experience challenges related to daily occupations including self-care, household chores, work/school, and leisure. Additionally, to determine, if they consider these occupations significant, and if there are differences between younger and older adolescents?

Material and methods: : This study was designed as a cross-sectional online survey including Danish adolescents aged 16 to 20 years, who had experienced stress within the past month.

Results: A total of 322 respondents participated in the study, reporting a range of occupations as both significant and challenging. Among these, schoolwork emerged as particularly prominent. Notable age-related differences were observed in the perceived significance of occupations.

Conclusions/significance: Stressed adolescents face challenges in daily occupations across all four categories, highlighting the importance of managing time and resources to support occupational balance. Age-related differences suggest the need for context-specific support.