ERIC Number: EJ1220361
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluation of a Self-Care Intervention to Improve Student Mental Health Administered through a Distance-Learning Course
White, Marney A.; Whittaker, Steve D.; Gores, Ashton M.; Allswede, Dana
American Journal of Health Education, v50 n4 p213-224 2019
Background: Graduate training is a high-risk period for worsening mental health. Previous research reported the effectiveness of a classroom-based self-care intervention for graduate students. Purpose: The study evaluated the effectiveness of an online self-care intervention for graduate-level students to prevent worsening mental health. Methods: Participants were 187 students in public health. The intervention consisted of behavior change assignments designed to increase health-promoting behaviors within four domains (nutrition, physical activity, mental health, social support). Students received bonus points for maintaining health behaviors for the duration of the 12-week semester. Outcomes included measures of nutrition, physical activity, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. The study employed a control group of students not enrolled in the course (n = 29). Results: Health promotion behaviors increased over the course of the semester (ps<0.001), with the largest effect sizes for increases in fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. Improvements in self-reported health were reported. Control students reported no improvements. Discussion: The study provides support for the utility of a brief self-care intervention for students in the health sciences. Translation to Health Education Practice: This disseminable intervention can support student well-being in a variety of academic programs. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars
Descriptors: Intervention, Daily Living Skills, Graduate Students, Risk, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Program Evaluation, Health Promotion, Health Behavior, Eating Habits, Food, Physical Activities, Student Attitudes, Behavior Change, Nutrition, Social Support Groups, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Self Efficacy, Stress Variables, Course Content, Scores, Recordkeeping
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Connecticut
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A