Health Education and Changing Stress Mindsets: The Moderating Role of Personality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background While prior research has demonstrated the ability of individuals to change their stress mindsets, the mechanisms through which these changes occur have not been studied. We offer health education as one such mechanism. Additionally, we posit that personality may moderate the change of stress mindset over time for students who are enrolled in health education courses. Purpose: This study explores the role of personality in the change of stress mindset when there is a specific focus on improving individual health and well-being via health education courses. Methods: Data was collected at two times in the semester, from 423 college students who are participating in college health education courses. Results: Neuroticism, openness, and conscientiousness have cross-level moderating effects on the change of stress mindset over time when students were engaged in health education courses. However, extraversion and agreeableness do not. Discussion: This study highlights the importance of health education, for specific personality types, in changing students’ mindsets as it relates to stress. Translation to Health Education Practice: By offering more evidence of the reach, scope, and benefits health education may provide, this study provides additional rationale for the inclusion and implementation of health education in academics.