Can the Academic and Experiential Study of Flourishing Improve College Students Functioning? A Multi-University Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew James Hirshberg ◽  
Blake Anthony Colaianne ◽  
Mark T. Greenberg ◽  
Karen Inkelas ◽  
Richard J Davidson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Emotional Skills ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Shared Humanity ◽  
Attention Function

We hypothesized that college students who enrolled in the Art and Science of Human Flourishing (ASHF), a novel academic and experiential for-credit course on human flourishing, would demonstrate improved mental health and strengthen skills and behaviors associated with flourishing relative to control students. In a two-wave, multi-site, propensity-score matched controlled trial (ASHF n=217, Control n=318; N=535), ASHF participants reported significantly improved mental health (i.e., reduced depression) and flourishing, improvements on multiple attention and social-emotional skills (e.g., attention function, self-compassion), and increases in prosocial attitudes (shared humanity; Cohen’s ds= 0.31–0.47) compared to controls. There was no evidence for ASHF course impacts on health or risk behaviors, raising the possibility that these may take more time to change. The ASHF may represent an effective curricular approach to reducing and potentially preventing poor mental health and promoting flourishing in college students.

scholarly journals Positive Psychology for Mental Wellbeing of UK Therapeutic Students: Relationships with Engagement, Motivation, Resilience and Self-Compassion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Pauline Green ◽  
David Sheffield
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the relationships between mental wellbeing and positive psychological constructs in therapeutic students (psychotherapy and occupational therapy students). The number of therapeutic students has increased recently; however, they suffer from poor mental health, which may be improved by potentiating their positive psychological constructs, bypassing mental health shame. Therapeutic students (n = 145) completed measures regarding positive psychological constructs, namely mental wellbeing, engagement, motivation, resilience, and self-compassion. Resilience and self-compassion predicted mental wellbeing, explaining a large effect. Self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between resilience and mental wellbeing. This study highlights the importance of positive psychological constructs, especially resilience and self-compassion, for mental wellbeing of therapeutic students.

scholarly journals Mental health and caregiving experiences of family carers supporting people with psychosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Sin ◽  
J. Elkes ◽  
R. Batchelor ◽  
C. Henderson ◽  
S. Gillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Population ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Negative Experience

Abstract Aims Family carers supporting an individual with psychosis often experience poorer mental health, however, little is known about specific risk factors among these carers. We investigated the associations between demographic, caregiving characteristics and mental health outcomes in family carers supporting an individual with psychosis and compared carers' outcomes with general population norms. Methods We analysed baseline data from the COPe-support randomised controlled trial of online psychoeducation and peer support for adult carers supporting an individual with psychosis between 2018 and 2020. We collected carers' demographic and health outcome data, including wellbeing using Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS as primary outcome), quality of life using EQ-5D-5L and caregiving experience assessed with Experience of Caregiving Inventory. We tested associations between carers' demographic and caregiving characteristics for each outcome in turn and meta-analysed carers' WEMWBS and EQ-5D-5L with Health Survey England (HSE) general population data from 2016 and 2017, respectively. Results The 407 carers of people with psychosis had a mean WEMWBS score of 42.2 (s.d. 9.21) and their overall weighted pooled WEMWBS score was 7.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) −8.6 to −6.0, p < 0.01) lower than the HSE general population sample, indicating carers have poorer mental wellbeing by more than double the minimum clinically important difference of 3 points on WEMWBS. Among all caring relationships, partners had poorer wellbeing compared to parents with lower WEMWBS score (−6.8, −16.9 to 3.3, p = 0.03). Single carers had significantly poorer wellbeing (−3.6, −5.6 to −1.5, p < 0.01) and a more negative caregiving experience than those who were cohabiting. Spending more than 35 h per week caregiving increased carers' negative experience significantly (p = 0.01). Conclusion Carers of people with psychosis have poorer mental health than non-carers. Partners, lone carers and those spending more than 35 h per week on caring were found to be most at risk of poor mental health. Based on the results, we advocate that the details of carers for individuals with psychosis should be added to the existing carers or severe mental illness registers at all general practitioner surgeries and for their wellbeing screened routinely. Future large-scale prospective studies are needed to develop a predictive model to determine risk factors, hence to aid early identification of carers' support needs. Such understandings are also useful to inform tailored intervention development.

scholarly journals StudiCare mindfulness—study protocol of a randomized controlled trial evaluating an internet- and mobile-based intervention for college students with no and “on demand” guidance

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Küchler ◽  
Dana Schultchen ◽  
Olga Pollatos ◽  
Morten Moshagen ◽  
David D. Ebert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Fusion ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background College is an exciting but also challenging time with an increased risk for mental health issues. Only a minority of the college students concerned get professional help, a problem that might be improvable by internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs). However, adherence of IMIs is a concern. While guidance might be a solution, it is resource-intensive, derailing potential implementation on population level. The first aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the IMI StudiCare Mindfulness (StudiCare-M) for college students with “on demand” and no guidance. The second aim is to examine potential moderators and mediators, contributing to the questions of “how” and “for whom” such interventions work. Methods In this three-armed randomized controlled trial, both an unguided and “guidance on demand” (GoD) condition of StudiCare-M are compared to a waitlist control group. StudiCare-M is based on principles of acceptance and commitment therapy and stress management and consists of 7 modules plus two booster sessions. Participants in the GoD condition may ask their e-coach for support whenever needed. A total of 387 college students with moderate to low mindfulness are recruited at 15+ cooperating universities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland via circular emails. Assessments take place before as well as 1, 2, and 6 months after randomization. The primary outcome is mindfulness. Secondary outcomes include stress, depression, anxiety, interoception, presenteeism, wellbeing, intervention satisfaction, adherence, and potential side effects. Among examined moderators and mediators are sociodemographic variables, pre-treatment symptomatology, treatment expectancy, self-efficacy, cognitive fusion, emotion regulation, and alexithymia. All data will be analyzed according to intention-to-treat (ITT) principles. Discussion Providing effective interventions to help college students become more resilient can make a valuable contribution to the health and functionality of future society. If effective under the condition of minimal or no guidance, StudiCare-M offers a low-threshold potentially resource-efficient possibility to enhance college student mental health on a population level. Moderation- and mediation analyses will deliver further insights for optimization of target groups and intervention content. Trial registration WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via the German Clinical Studies Trial Register DRKS00014774. Registered on 18 May 2018.

scholarly journals Executive functions and school readiness intervention: Impact, moderation, and mediation in the Head Start REDI program

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 821-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Bierman ◽  
Robert L. Nix ◽  
Mark T. Greenberg ◽  
Clancy Blair ◽  
Celene E. Domitrovich
Keyword(s):  
Head Start ◽  
School Readiness ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Emotional Skills ◽  
Disadvantaged Children ◽  
Intervention Impact ◽  
Head Start Programs ◽  
The Impact

AbstractDespite their potentially central role in fostering school readiness, executive function (EF) skills have received little explicit attention in the design and evaluation of school readiness interventions for socioeconomically disadvantaged children. The present study examined a set of five EF measures in the context of a randomized-controlled trial of a research-based intervention integrated into Head Start programs (Head Start REDI). Three hundred fifty-six 4-year-old children (17% Hispanic, 25% African American; 54% girls) were followed over the course of the prekindergarten year. Initial EF predicted gains in cognitive and social–emotional skills and moderated the impact of the Head Start REDI intervention on some outcomes. The REDI intervention promoted gains on two EF measures, which partially mediated intervention effects on school readiness. We discuss the importance of further study of the neurobiological bases of school readiness, the implications for intervention design, and the value of incorporating markers of neurobiological processes into school readiness interventions.

scholarly journals The Impact of Health Behaviors on Health-Related Quality of Life in College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 439-439
Author(s):  
Kayla Parsons ◽  
Leigh Neptune ◽  
Ashley Reynolds ◽  
Amelia Sullivan ◽  
Carol Byrd-Bredbenner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Objectives The objective was to explore the influence of health behaviors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among college undergraduate students. Methods A convenience sample of college students completed an online survey consisting of the Center for Disease Control's HRQOL modules, perceived stress scale, sleep questionnaire, and the National Cancer Institute Fruit and Vegetable (FV) Screener. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight. Independent t-test were used to compare HRQOL between students who consumed above/below average fruit and vegetable intake. Two multiple regression analyses were used to determine health factors that predicted better HRQOL. Results Participants (N = 655) were 19.8 ± 1.5 years old, female (63%), and white (84%). The average FV intake was 2.2 servings per day. Students who consumed more than the average intake of FV, reported more days/month (d/m) feeling healthy and full of energy (11.9 ± 8.6 vs. 8.9 ± 7.9, P &lt; 0.001), and reported less d/m of poor mental health (8.5 ± 8.1 vs. 11.1 ± 9.8, P &lt; 0.001) compared to those who consumed less than the average. Two predictors explained 38.5% of variance in d/m when mental health was not good (r2 = 0.38, F (2,639) = 200.11, P &lt; 0.001): perceived stress (β = 0.61, P &lt; 0.001) and FV intake (β = −0.08, P &lt; 0.05). Four predictors explained 30.0% of the variance in d/m feeling happy and full of energy (r2 = 0.29, F (4,549) = 58.6, P &lt; 0.001): perceived stress (β = −0.46, P &lt; 0.001), BMI (β = −0.11, P &lt; 0.01), FV intake (β = 0.16, P &lt; 0.001), and hours of sleep (β = 0.08, P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions This data shows that students who consumed above average FV intake reported more days of feeling happy and full of energy and less days of poor mental health, and that modifiable behaviors (FV intake, stress, sleep) impact HRQOL of young adults. This research provides justification for college aimed wellness interventions to include both nutrition education and mental health resources to improve overall HRQOL. Funding Sources This project was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project number #ME0022104 through the Maine Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station. NJ Agriculture Experiment Station.

scholarly journals Efficacy and moderation of mobile application-based mindfulness-based training, self-compassion training, and cognitive-behavioral psychoeducation on mental health: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie Wing Sze Mak ◽  
Alan Chun Yat Tong ◽  
Sindy Ying Chi Yip ◽  
Wacy Wai Sze Lui ◽  
Floria Hin Ngan Chio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Compassion

BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based interventions, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral therapy have garnered much evidence in its salutary effects on mental health. With increasing application of smartphone and mobile technology on health promotion, the present study investigated the efficacy and possible moderators of mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation training mobile applications in the improvement of mental health. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine the efficacy of three mobile application-based programs: mindfulness-based program (MBP), self-compassion program (SCP), and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation control (CBP) in improving well-being and reducing psychological distress. To further delineate the suitability of each program for which type of individuals, individual difference variables (i.e., nonattachment, self-criticism, discomfort with emotion, and tolerance for ambiguity) were explored for potential moderation. METHODS The present study was a three-arm randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of MBP, SCP with CBP. The course contents of the three programs were composed by a clinical psychologist and the mobile application was fully automated. Participants were recruited online and offline via mass mail, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and social networking site. They were randomized into either one of the three conditions and completed pre-program survey assessment. Throughout the 4-week, 28-session program, participants spent 10 minutes daily in reviewing the course content and practicing various related exercises. Post-assessment and 3-month follow-up surveys were administered to measure changes over time. Indicators of mental health and psychological distress, as well as proposed moderators were self-assessed online at pre-program, post-program, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Among the 2,161 study participants, 508 and 349 completed the post- and 3-month follow-up assessment respectively. All three conditions (MBP, N = 703; CBP, N = 753; SCP, N = 705) were found to be efficacious in improving mental well-being and reducing psychological distress. No significant differences regarding usage and users’ satisfaction were found among the three conditions. None of the proposed moderators were found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness-based, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation mobile applications were efficacious in improving mental health and reducing psychological distress among young adults at post-program, and such improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Future app-based psychological training programs should consider gamification and personalization of content or feedback to enhance engagement and mitigate the high attrition rate that are common in app-based health promotion programs. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR-TRC-13003468; https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/217 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6oaPwga7z).

scholarly journals Effects of Basketball and Baduanjin Exercise Interventions on Problematic Smartphone Use and Mental Health among College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Tao Xiao ◽  
Can Jiao ◽  
Jie Yao ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Yanjie Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Problematic Smartphone Use ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Health Indices ◽  
Smartphone Use

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has become a prevalent issue worldwide. Previous studies suggest that physical exercising may effectively reduce smartphone users’ addiction levels. Comparisons and further evaluations on the long-term effects of different types of exercise-based interventions on treating PSU remain to be investigated. Objective. We investigated if group-based basketball and Baduanjin exercise (a type of Qigong) would reduce PSU and improve the mental health of college students and whether such effects would be sustained. A twelve-week experiment was conducted, where 96 eligible Chinese college students with PSU were randomly assigned to two intervention arms (i.e., basketball and Baduanjin exercises) and a control arm. Outcome measures, including PSU (measured by the Mobile Phone Addiction Index in Chinese (MPAI)) and mental health indices for anxiety (measured by Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SRAS)), loneliness (measured by the short-form of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS)), inadequacy (measured by the revised Janis and Field’s Feelings of Inadequacy Scale (FIS)), and stress (measured by the Chinese version of Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS)) were collected at the baseline, the end of week 12, and the two-month follow-up. A Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model for longitudinal data was utilized in analyses. Results. Both exercise interventions demonstrated significant effects on decreasing PSU (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p < 0.01 ), feelings of anxiety (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p = 0.04 ), loneliness (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p < 0.01 ), inadequacy (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p < 0.01 ), and perceived stress (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p = 0.04 ), at the end of interventions. At two months after interventions, both exercise interventions demonstrated significant effects on decreasing PSU (basketball: p < 0.05 ; Baduanjin: p < 0.05 ), feelings of anxiety (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p = 0.03 ), loneliness (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p < 0.01 ), and inadequacy (basketball: p < 0.01 ; Baduanjin: p = 0.01 ), but not for feeling of stress. Furthermore, group-based basketball demonstrated larger improvements for all these significant results on reducing PSU and meanwhile improving their related mental health parameters among college students.

scholarly journals Mental Health of Medical Workers in Japan during COVID-19: Relationships with Loneliness, Hope and Self-Compassion

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Akihoko Ozaki ◽  
Hirotomo Miyatake ◽  
Chie Tsunetoshi ◽  
Yoshitaka Nishikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
General Population ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Self Compassion

Abstract The current pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively impacted medical workers’ mental health in many countries including Japan. Although research identified poor mental health of medical workers in COVID-19, protective factors for their mental health remain to be appraised. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate relationships between mental health problems, loneliness, hope and self-compassion among Japanese medical workers, and compare with the general population. Online self-report measures regarding those four constructs were completed by 142 medical workers and 138 individuals in the general population. T-tests and multiple regression analysis were performed. Medical workers had higher levels of mental health problems and loneliness, and lower levels of hope and self-compassion than the general population. Loneliness was the strongest predictor of mental health problems in the medical workers. Findings suggest that Japanese medical workplaces may benefit from targeting workplace loneliness to protect staff mental health from the current crisis.

A feasibility study on a novel well-being intervention for university students

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
E. Hunt ◽  
L. Coombes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Universal Time ◽  
First Year ◽  
Evaluation Questionnaire ◽  
Self Compassion

Abstract Objectives: Challenging transitions, increased stress and mental ill health can affect students’ academic performance and their capacity to remain in higher education. Prevention and early treatment of mental health problems in college students is therefore a key public health priority, nationally and internationally. Developing a range of evidence-based interventions targeting the mental health of students is critical. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of a new universal time use and well-being intervention, the ‘Everyday Matters: Healthy Habits for University Life’ digital badge (EMDB), a co-curricular micro-credential for first-year college students. Methods: This study used a single-arm, pre–post design for first-year undergraduate students. The EMDB comprised eight 1-hour lunchtime sessions on brain development and time-use habits across the 24 hours of the day including sleep, self-care, leisure, study and work. Validated measures of occupational competence and value, mental well-being, sleep health, mindset, self-compassion and gratitude were completed, along with an evaluation questionnaire. Results: Eight first-year undergraduate students completed the demographic questionnaire and pre- and post- measures, with one additional student completing only the evaluation questionnaire. There was significantly improved levels of well-being, self-compassion and growth mindset following the intervention. Many of the challenges reported by participants related to occupational issues such as managing finances and having a satisfying routine. Participants appreciated the practical relevance and scientific underpinnings of the programme content. The sense of belonging within the group and having insightful conversations with other group members were particularly valued by participants. Conclusions: This study offers preliminary evidence that an occupational therapy based universal time-use and well-being intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to first-year undergraduate students. The results of this study and the participant acceptability support further development and evaluation of the EMDB intervention.

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