Presenter
Haylee Canadas; Kara Zumbahlen; Sadie Lindgren; Elizabeth Kwak
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Origins and Importance: There is a significant gap in research regarding the toll of the workload assigned to students within specialized fields within the United States. These students have been found to have increased depression, anxiety, and burnout as well as decreased life satisfaction. This extends not only to physician assistants or medical students, but to students within many allied health fields. Positive occupational balance has been found to be associated with positive wellbeing. Dedicating research efforts to explore the work-life balance of health professional students will help students maintain their health and wellbeing as they become equipped to practice within their fields. The information gathered by this study will promote the creation of resources for students enrolled within rigorous health related programs. Study Design: A cross sectional survey will be utilized via Qualtrics for the following Johnson & Wales College of Health and Wellness programs: Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Physical Therapy Doctorate, Second Degree Accelerated Nursing Students, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition & Dietetics, Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, Public Health one year, and Master of Science Nutrition across all campuses. Results from this study will provide a better understanding of how the rigors of a professional healthcare education impacts a person's wellbeing, and could lead to changes in program layout to support balance and engagement.
Faculty Mentor
Monique Dawes, O.T.D., OTR/L, CPAM
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Canadas, Haylee; Zumbahlen, Kara; Lindgren, Sadie; and Kwak, Elizabeth, "Effects of Academic Workload on Work-Life Balance" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 307.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/307
