Activity patterns and well-being in commuters: an occupational perspective

Abstract

This study explored the predictors of commuter well-being in college students using an occupational framework. While past studies focused more on the physical impact of commuting on health, there was a gap in the scholarly literature regarding the occupational aspects (the doing) of commuting on well-being, especially using different modes of transportation, such as by car, bike, walking, or campus shuttle. Using a mixed methods sequential design, this research examined occupational science concepts such as enjoyment, routine, control, choice, and meaningfulness experienced during commuting by various modes. The study includes surveys of over 500 students as well as focus groups of commuters.

Findings indicate that several occupational aspects accounted for 59% of the variance in a model of satisfaction with commuting, suggesting occupational aspects are significant predictors of commuter satisfaction. Further, the doing of commuting (activity patterns and dimensions of experience in a Do-Live-Well framework) resulted in greater satisfaction when active modes (walking or cycling) of commuting were used, compared to passive modes (car and campus shuttle). Future studies can address how attention to occupational aspects can enhance commuting experiences and promote participation in healthier and more sustainable modes.