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College Student Well-Being: Using Websites as a Strategy for Campus-Wide Education and Support Efforts

Miller, Jason T. (2022) College Student Well-Being: Using Websites as a Strategy for Campus-Wide Education and Support Efforts. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This study explored the topic of college student well-being and campus-wide initiatives aimed at facilitating positive health and lifestyle behaviors through educational efforts. A university-branded website was created with an aim of increasing students’ understanding of well-being. Student perceptions of the website’s impact on their knowledge, as well as potential behavioral changes, were measured. In addition, utility of the website and its features were tested, and cultural relevance of the offered information and resources was assessed.

Educational interventions that center on students’ knowledge of well-being concepts can positively impact various behaviors and outcomes that develop during the college years and carry through the lifespan (Lothes, 2020). To address growing challenges associated with college students’ well-being, higher education institutions are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary, campus-wide initiatives (ACHA, 2020; CAS, 2018). The development of a website dedicated to the topic of well-being provided practitioners at the University of Pittsburgh an opportunity to engage in cross-collaborative work to educate, empower, and support the health and wellness needs of its students.

Using quantitative methods, a study of 114 undergraduate students was conducted. Through a two-part protocol, respondents were asked to perform a full review of the website followed by completion of a 21-question survey, comprising multiple choice and Likert scale items with some open response. Data analysis incorporated a mix of descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis, and results were presented in alignment to four guiding inquiry questions.

The study revealed several key findings. First, following use of the website, students reported increases of knowledge and awareness of well-being. Second, they indicated feeling motivated and/or intending to take positive actions toward supporting their well-being. Third, user feedback suggests website features that explain the “what” and “how to” of well-being provided the most utility. Finally, results indicated that relevance and applicability of the website’s information and resources varies across social identities, highlighting the need for more tailored content.

Findings from this study show promise in the use of websites as a tool for campus-wide education and support efforts, and implications for professional practice are discussed. Limitations and considerations for future research conclude the dissertation.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Miller, Jason T.jtm@pitt.edujtm0000-0002-6217-4394
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairSchuster, Maximilianschustermt@pitt.edu
Committee MemberDarr, Jayjay.darr@pitt.edu
Committee MemberRoss, Sharonseross@pitt.edu
Date: 6 September 2022
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 11 July 2022
Approval Date: 6 September 2022
Submission Date: 12 August 2022
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 139
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Education > Administrative and Policy Studies
Degree: EdD - Doctor of Education
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: college student well-being; student well-being; college student wellness; student wellness; college student health; student health; college student mental health; student mental health; well-being; student well-being support; wellbeing; health; health and wellness; health and well-being; health education; college health; college health education; health promotion; college health promotion; well-being websites; wellness websites; well-being education; campus well-being; campus well-being initiatives; campus-wide well-being initiatives; thrive; flourish; well-being outcomes; student outcomes; student health outcomes; student well-being outcomes; defining well-being; dimensions of wellness; pillars of well-being; well-being resources; college wellness websites; college well-being websites; college health websites;
Date Deposited: 06 Sep 2022 14:59
Last Modified: 06 Sep 2022 14:59
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/43601

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