Act-Belong-Commit Framework For A Mentally Healthy College Campus: Campus Recreation And Exercise Science Partnership

Abstract

A growing concern for universities is the state of mental health with a clear need for positive mental health campaigns and strategies to shift the culture surrounding mental well-being. Our campus has adopted a holistic framework, Act-Belong-Commit, to improve mental health through positive intentional engagement in activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the mental health climate and well-being of current students on a primarily residential collegiate campus before the implementation of Act-Belong-Commit campaign. METHODS: 176 students (21.2±2.5yrs; 162 female, 19 male, 2 gender non-binary) participated in the campus-wide survey. There was equal representation of the students across years in school with little ethnic/racial diversity: (Caucasian=93%; African American=2%; Hispanic/Latinx=3%; Asian=2%) and some diversity in sexual orientation (heterosexual=87%; homosexual=2%; bisexual=8%, or other=2%). Measures included: Satisfaction With Life (SWL), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSSHS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Resilience and the Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ). A small subset (n=55) completed an ABC self-assessment. RESULTS: Social Support was significantly correlated (p<0.05) with many positive mental health outcomes: SWL (r=.62); Resilience (r=.39); Meaning of Life (r=.34); Depression Subscale (r=-.56); Anxiety Subscale (r=-.34); Stress (r= -0.35). High perceived social support and positive mental health were also seen in people high on ACT (Social Support r=.32; resilience r=.37, depression r=-.32, anxiety r=-.26, and stress r=-.36) and BELONG (SWL r=.35, resilience r=.39, depression r=-.29, stress r=-.28). CONCLUSION: Social support and a sense of belonging was integrally tied to measures of positive mental health and improved satisfaction with life measures. Belonging comes from being engaged in an active life with people and activities that bring meaning and purpose. Campus recreation and exercise science programs will lead the implementation of the ABC campaign, promoting physical activity, mindfulness/mediation, and play as activities to engage in a various levels as part of this positive mental health campaign.