Social Determinants of Occupational Balance in Emerging Adults

Emerging adults frequently face challenges in achieving occupational balance due to economic instability, social pressures, and unequal access to resources, particularly in structurally unequal societies. This study investigates the associations between social determinants and occupational balance among emerging adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 312 university students aged 18 to 25. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Human Development Index–Districts (HDI-D), and the Turkish Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 (OBQ11-T). Multiple linear regression analysis yielded a significant model (p < .001) explaining 30.8% of the variance in occupational balance. Higher family allowance, scholarship income, social engagement, male gender, and residence in high-HDI-D were positively associated with occupational balance, whereas older age, single-parent household background, and smoking or alcohol use were negatively associated. The findings suggest that occupational balance in emerging adulthood is associated with broader social determinants, beyond individual characteristics, highlighting the need to address systemic inequalities when designing interventions.

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Not Just a Personal Choice: The Social Roots of Occupational Balance in Emerging Adults

Young adults aged 18 to 25 often face challenges while trying to balance school, work, social life, and personal time. This research explores how social and economic conditions are related to daily life balance among university students in Turkey. The study surveyed 312 students from a university using questions about their background, income, family structure, and living area, as well as a questionnaire that measures how balanced their daily activities feel. The results show that students who receive more financial support—either from family or scholarships—tend to report higher levels of balance in their daily lives. Spending time with friends was also associated with better balance. Male students and those living in well-developed neighborhoods reported higher balance scores. In contrast, older students, those from single-parent families, and students who smoke or consume alcohol reported lower levels of balance. These findings suggest that being balanced in everyday life is not just about personal habits or time management. Instead, it is strongly connected to the social and economic environment in which a young person lives. For example, living in a well-developed neighborhood or having financial support may make it easier to manage daily responsibilities, while limited resources or family-related stress may create additional challenges. This study highlights that life balance during young adulthood is closely linked to fairness and access to resources. It calls for youth policies and university support programs that focus on financial assistance, gender equality, and opportunities for social participation—particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.