ERIC Number: ED637926
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 219
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3800-8629-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Case Study of the Implementation of an Integrated Wellness Program in the Student Counseling Services of One Community College
Deborah K. Krajcir
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Idaho State University
College students across the nation are encountering stressors from a myriad of sources in addition to the typical stress of academics. These stressors come by way of financial, occupational, social, physical, emotional, environmental, and spiritual challenges in students' lives. While reported incidences of mental health needs among college students are on the rise, adequate resources to meet those needs remain static on many campuses, or in some cases, are atrophying. This paradoxical dynamic is negatively impacting students' personal lives and may be placing their academic futures at risk. The necessity of innovative strategies to intervene on behalf of students' mental wellness is clear. This qualitative case study set forth to investigate one creative approach by researching the influence of an integrated multi-dimensional student wellness program on decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, increasing perceptions of hope, and enhancing persistence among college students. An eight-dimensional wellness program, "BeWell," was implemented through the student counseling center at one mountain west community college. Data gathered from 43 students participating in "BeWell" throughout one academic year explored trends in symptoms of anxiety, as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) assessment, symptoms of depression, as measured by the Patient Health Quotient (PHQ-7), perceptions of hope and self-efficacy as captured by The Hope Scale, and performance in academics. Participant data was collected through a variety of sources: intake and exit interviews, participant scores from the above assessments, academic records, and numerous accountability sessions. Findings from this study suggest involvement in the "BeWell" program positively impacted the overall wellness of student participants as demonstrated by reported decreases in symptoms of both anxiety and depression, increases in a sense of hope and self-efficacy, and affirmative influences on persisting in college. Conclusions of this study encompass implications and recommendations highlighting the importance of an increased and emboldened development and implementation of effective strategies on campuses of higher education focused on attending to the integrated wellness needs of America's college students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Wellness, Health Promotion, School Counseling, Mental Health, Community College Students, Program Evaluation, Student Attitudes, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Program Implementation, Student Needs
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A