ERIC Number: EJ1274949
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluation and Durability of a Curriculum-Based Intervention for Promoting Mental Health among Graduate Students
Brett, Chelsea; Wang, Katie; Lowe, Sarah R.; White, Marney A.
American Journal of Health Education, v51 n6 p350-359 2020
Background: Graduate school environments are recognized for contributing to elevated stress levels among student populations. Purpose: The objective was to test whether a behavioral intervention, delivered through an online course on behavior change, is effective in preventing declining mental health. Methods: Data were collected via a quasi-experimental longitudinal study to observe the effect of self-directed behavioral interventions on mental health. Participants included students enrolled in a course on "Health Behavior Change" at the Yale School of Public Health (n = 45) and a control group (n = 33) of students in the same graduate program. Analyses were conducted to evaluate differences at post-intervention and at a 12-week follow-up assessment in indicators of mental and general health. Results: Enrolled students reported significantly improved mental health outcomes as compared to the control students. At follow-up, multiple differences persisted, with participants who had completed the course reporting sustained improvements in general and mental health. Discussion: Self-directed behavior change interventions are effective in promoting mental and physical health among graduate student populations. Translation to Health Education Practice: This curriculum-based intervention can support student wellbeing in a variety of academic programs.
Descriptors: Health Promotion, Intervention, Graduate Students, Comparative Analysis, Online Courses, Behavior Change, Longitudinal Studies, Stress Variables, Outcomes of Education, Prevention, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Student Attitudes, Physical Health, Well Being, Health Education, Personal Autonomy, Nutrition, Course Descriptions, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Measures (Individuals), Self Efficacy, Social Support Groups
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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
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A