Effects of a Wellness Program on Perceived Stress and Occupational Balance with Occupational Therapy Students

Occupational therapy (OT) students often experience elevated stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their academic programs, which can negatively affect their occupational balance and overall well-being. Promoting student wellness is essential to supporting both academic success and mental health. This quantitative pilot study examined the effects of a wellness program on perceived stress and occupational balance among graduate OT students in Southern Florida. Participants attended one of four structured sessions—Prioritization, Organization Strategies, Mindfulness Training, or Yoga—and completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ) before and after each session. Data was collected from April to July 2023, with session participation ranging from 5 to 14 students. Pre- and post-session differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results indicated slight, non-significant improvements in both perceived stress and occupational balance. While not statistically significant, the positive trends suggest that brief, targeted wellness interventions may offer meaningful support for OT students. Additional research with larger samples and extended program duration is recommended to better understand long-term outcomes.