Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Wendy Stav

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2022

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The rapid advancement in screen-based technology enables teenagers today to devote significant amounts of time to occupational engagement in the virtual context. Societal concerns regarding adolescent screen time have been well-substantiated by numerous studies that have revealed an inverse relationship between adolescent screen time and well-being. Using an occupational lens, this study investigated the relationship between high school students’ time use on occupations in the virtual context, psychological well-being, and life meaning. Method: For 3 consecutive days, 32 high school students tracked their time use on occupations in the virtual context using the iPhone screen time tracker and a time diary. Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used to measure psychological well-being and life meaning. All data were collected via Google Form surveys. Results: Time use on social participation was found to be positively correlated with presence of life meaning, rs(30) = .35, p < .05, and total life meaning score, rs(30) = .31, p < .05. Conversely, time use on leisure was inversely correlated with search for meaning, rs(30) = -.30, p < .05, and total life meaning score, rs(30) = -.34, p < .05. No significant differences were found between time use on social participation, leisure, or education and psychological well-being. Conclusion: Findings from this study undermine the societal impression that screen time has an overwhelmingly negative influence on adolescents. The profession of occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to begin the process of reconceptualizing adolescent screen time into a meaningful occupational transaction. Keywords: occupations in the virtual context, life meaning, psychological well-being, eudaimonia, identity, time use, adolescents, screen time

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

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