ERIC Number: EJ1384364
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: EISSN-2168-3751
Available Date: N/A
Innovation in Health Programming: College Students Benefit from an Array of Complementary Approaches to Health Improvement Framed by the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model
Bryan, Stephanie; Hamilton, Maryellen; Garrels, Jay; Ruhlen, Mia; Zipp, Genevieve
American Journal of Health Education, v54 n2 p135-154 2023
Background: The American Psychological Association reports that Generation Z are suffering mentally and physically more than any other group. Purpose: Measure the effects of a 16-week, online college-level "Complementary Therapies in Health Course" through the lens of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model on measures of health and aspects of well-being in college students. Methods: A mixed method, controlled, repeated measures study delivered in an online synchronous college-level health course. The course curriculum included the science and practice of compassion, happiness, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, service, gratitude, longevity, movement, and more. Results: 42 students 18-23 participated. A significant between subjects cross-over effect demonstrating improvements in the intervention group and deterioration in the control group was found using the Self Compassion Scale (p < 0.005), Self-Compassion subscale of Judgment (p < 0.001), Spiritual Well-being Scale (p < 0.047), and the Pemberton Happiness Index (p < 0.007). The Self Compassion Scale also revealed a within subjects significant effect (p < 0.001). Qualitative data revealed improvements in compassion, feelings of happiness, sleep, exercise and health habits, gratitude, mindfulness, spiritual feelings, and more. Discussion: Health education predicated on the biopsychosocial-spiritual model is efficacious. Translation to Health Education Practices: A whole person, complementary health approach to education programming has widespread, positive effects on college students.
Descriptors: College Students, Health Promotion, Medicine, Indigenous Knowledge, Models, Well Being, Altruism, Psychological Patterns, Metacognition, Relaxation Training, Physical Activities, Mental Health, Motion, Control Groups, Sleep, Exercise, Health Behavior, Health Education, Holistic Approach, Program Effectiveness
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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