Making sense of life balance: a coaching intervention for adults with sensory processing challenges

Date
2017
DOI
Authors
Min, Catherine
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Sensory processing challenges in adults are associated with life experiences, such as anxiety, depression and decreased quality of sleep (Engel-Yeger & Dunn, 2011; Engel-Yeger & Shocat, 2012; Kinnealey & Fuiek, 1999). These life experiences may impact perceptions of Life Balance related to patterns of daily activities to support health, relationships, challenges and identity (Matuska, 2012b). Researchers have reported that life imbalance is associate with decreased well-being and dissatisfaction with life (Eakman, 2015). Literature that connects the sensory integration literature with the life balance literature is just evolving. The aim of this doctoral project was to better understand the potential relationship between sensory processing challenges and life balance and to identify evidence-based interventions to best address the problem of life imbalance for adults with sensory processing challenges. Making Sense of Life Balance, an 8-week intervention program, was developed using the results of the literature review. The intervention incorporates four key components: an interview that focuses on the participant’s sensory needs as well as current coping strategies, goal-setting with development of an action plan, co-active coaching for problem solving, as well as use of journal for tracking strategies and reflecting on life balance. The intervention is designed to facilitate reflection and problem solving to identify effective coping strategies, increase use of effective coping strategies, increase self-efficacy regarding self-management of sensory needs, and, ultimately increase perception of life balance.
Description
License
Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International