Occupational disruption amid COVID-19 movement restrictions: A qualitative case study exploration

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health safety measures disrupted daily lives as all but essential services were limited and many individuals found themselves confined to their home. Objective: In order to understand the impact of early pandemic safety measures on occupation during a specific developmental phase, this study explored the perceptions of emerging adult occupational therapy students in one Midwestern US city. Methods: The researchers used a qualitative case study design to analyze selected course assignments in exploring student (N = 13;n = 1 male) perceptions during early COVID-19 movement restrictions. Findings: Primary themes noted 1) the importance of context or occupational spaces on adaptation, (2) how changes in routines influence being, and (3) the impact of social occupations to belonging and mental health. Conclusion: The occupational disruption caused by COVID-19 safety measures impacted participants' ‘being in place' and adaptation was facilitated by the way habits and routines were performed in confined spaces. Future research should look at the long-term impact of the disruption on emerging adult occupation and resilience, since this phase of life is a key to adult becoming. © 2023 The Journal of Occupational Science Incorporated.