Thriving Students: Evidenced-Based Positive Psychology Interventions for Mental Health and Well-Being
Many evidenced-based positive psychology research studies have been launched at colleges and universities worldwide to support student mental health, well-being, and student persistence. Come and see!
Presented by:
Jennifer Graydon, Angelo State University
Abstract:
According to research, student mental health issues have risen exponentially over the past decades and are correlated with poorer academic outcomes (Abelson, 2022; American College Health Association, 2023; Eisenberg et al., 2009). To address these challenges, evidenced-based positive psychology strategies were launched during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic to support student mental health and well-being.
The purpose of this poster presentation is to describe and discuss what the research suggests regarding the efficacy of positive psychology interventions and their future implementation at colleges and universities. When we invest in student well-being and resiliency, we promote students who persist and thrive.
Keywords:
Positive Psychology, Well-Being, Student Success
Learning Outcomes:
1. Summarize national trends and outcomes regarding college and university student mental health and achievement outcomes.
2. Describe the research regarding the common obstacles emerging adults encounter when adjusting to college and university life.
3. Analyze the research evidence and outcomes of positive psychology interventions launched at colleges and universities in the United States and worldwide.
Thriving Students: Evidenced-Based Positive Psychology Interventions for Mental Health and Well-Being
Hear it from the author:
Transcript:
Hello, my name is Dr. Jennifer Graydon, adjunct professor and licensed clinical social worker. Welcome to my presentation Thriving Students: Evidence-Based Positive Psychology Interventions for Mental Health and Well-Being. Positive Psychology is a strengths-based scientific model focused upon optimizing human flourishing and well-being.
My research arose from my students sharing their struggles with mental health and my own observations of the impact on their well-being and academic persistence. Studies suggest that symptoms of depression and anxiety are predictors of lower grade point averages and early withdrawal, affecting accomplishment of academic and career goals.
Research indicates that mental health concerns and demands for counseling services at colleges and universities have been rapidly increasing nationwide for decades. The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic only increased students’ uncertainty and isolation from professors, peers, and student support services.
As a result, a variety of exciting and innovative positive psychology intervention studies have been launched at institutions of higher learning worldwide.
Come join me and learn about the research regarding the challenges of emerging adults, and the recent evidenced-based research in positive psychology targeted at helping students to flourish and thrive. The mental health and well-being of our students is not just a luxury, it is a necessity.
References
Abelson, S. (2022, June 30). Improved research, targeted interventions key to improving college students’ mental health. Michigan University School of Public Health Newsletter. https://sph.umich.edu/news/2022posts/improving-research-targeted-interventions-key-to-improve-college-students-mental-health.html
American College Health Association (2023). American College Health Association national college health assessment II: Reference group executive summary Fall 2023. https://www.acha.org/NCHA/ACHA-NCHA_Data/Publications_and_Reports/NCHA/Data/Reports_ACHA-NCHAIIIb.aspx
Arnett, J. J., Žukauskienė, R., & Sugimura, K. (2014, December). The new life stage of emerging adulthood at ages 18-29 years: Implications for mental health. Adolescent Mental Health, 3, 569-576. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00080-7
Denovan, A., & Macaskill, A. (2013). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of stress
and coping in first year undergraduates. British Educational Research Journal, 39(6),
1002-1024. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3019
Eisenberg, D., Golberstein, E., & Hunt, J. (2009). Mental health and academic success in college. The B. E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, 9(40). https://doi.org/10.2202/1935-1682.2191/html
Schreiner, L. A., & Hulme, E. (2021). Positive psychology on campus. In C. R. Snyder, S. J. Lopez, L. M. Edwards, & S. C Marques (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of positive psychology (3rd ed., pp. 807-819). Oxford University Press.
Seligman, M. E. P., Rashid, T., & Parks, A. C. (2006). Positive psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 61(8), 774-788. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.61.8.774