Carita Håkansson's main research interest is occupational balance, which is a subjective experience of having the correct variation and the right amount of activities in everyday life. Everyday life activities include paid work, home and family chores and leisure activities for fun and recreation. Occupational balance has been studied in different groups such as normal populations, people with rheumatic diseases, and women with stress-related disorders. Furthermore, associations between occupational balance and different aspects of health are studied as well as gender differences in occupational balance. An instrument to measure occupational balance has also been developed. Now research on working conditions that can contribute to good occupational balance is conducted.  

Carita Håkansson is also involved in research projects on sustainable working life for older, commuting, teachers' working situation, green environments, and evaluation of activity-based rehabilitation methods for people with stress-related disorders.