Self-care For Students Research Articles

College Student Self-Care: The Missing Ingredient for Success?

College students are experiencing the highest rate of mental health challenges ever in history. This brief report on self-care consisted of nine participants, who were currently attending a public university. Three focus groups were held. Three themes emerged from the data: a.) defining and practicing self-care b.) self-care education and c.) self-care during the COVID pandemic. Since these students never received any formalized education about self-care and because of the college counseling center’ s inability to serve a growing number of students with mental health challenges, the researcher recommends that education institutions devote more time to educating students about self-care.

Integrating Spirituality in Health Science Education: An Empirical Study of University Students and Lecturers

This research interrogates the integration of spirituality in health science education through a semi-structured survey of 23 nursing students as well as semi-structured surveys and focus group interviews conducted with seven lecturers in the school of health sciences at St. Paul’s University, Kenya. The research acknowledges the way in which the COVID pandemic has foregrounded public health issues such as stress, mental health, and trauma in the specific areas of student self-care, nursing practice, curriculum review, and faculty training and development. Conducted by a theologian and health scientist, this study utilizes an integrative model of faith and science to demonstrate the need for integrating spirituality in health science education within the context of Christian higher education.

Student Self-Care and Mental Health Well-Being through Creative Art and Art Journaling: Facilitating Self-Care Opportunities through Creative Art for Students in the Helping Professions

Student Self-Care and Mental Health Well-Being through Creative Art and Art Journaling: Facilitating Self-Care Opportunities through Creative Art for Students in the Helping Professions

The Efficacy of Providing Holistic Wellness Activities in Promoting Nursing Student Self-care

Self-care is defined as taking time to participate in activities that promote personal physical health, mental health, and wellness. Nursing students worldwide have been found to be deficient in self-care. A pilot project was developed to provide a variety of wellness-related activities throughout one academic school year for students in an undergraduate nursing program in the United States, in an effort to promote self-care practices. The students were surveyed on their perception of self-care activities covering six major domains, such as physical activity and health promotion. They were also asked qualitative questions about their understanding of self-care and its importance in nursing via focus groups. At the end of the school year, the students repeated the survey, and were asked to provide feedback on the activities selected. The purpose of this article is to discuss the findings of the post-intervention implementation. There were no statistical changes in the students’ self-care survey results. However, anecdotal evidence revealed that the students, as a whole, felt that the activities were helpful in promoting personal well-being, appreciated support from faculty, and reported a desire for the activities to continue.

Self-care strategies for medical students: an uncontrolled mixed-methods evaluation of a mind-body-medicine group course

BackgroundHigh stress during medical education and its detrimental effects on student health is well documented. This exploratory evaluation study assesses a 10-week Mind-Body-Medicine student course, created to promote student self-care at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.MethodsDuring 2012–2019, uncontrolled quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from 112 student participants. Outcomes including changes in perceived stress (PSS), mindfulness (FMI/MAAS), self-reflection (GRAS), self-efficacy (GSE), empathy (SPF), and health-related quality of life (SF-12) were measured between the first (T0) and last sessions (T1). Qualitative data were obtained in focus groups at course completion and triangulated with quantitative data.ResultsQuantitative outcomes showed decreases in perceived stress and increased self-efficacy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and empathy. In focus groups, students reported greater abilities to self-regulate stressful experiences, personal growth and new insights into integrative medicine. Triangulation grounded these effects of MBM practice in its social context, creating an interdependent dynamic between experiences of self and others.ConclusionAfter completing an MBM course, students reported reduced perceived stress, increased self-efficacy, mindfulness, empathy and positive engagement with integrative concepts of doctor–patient relationships. Further research with larger randomized confirmatory studies is needed to validate these benefits.

The experiences of self-care in associate degree nursing students

As nursing students experience academic pressures, it may impede their learning ability. This basic qualitative study aimed to address self-care and the effect of academic stress on first-semester nursing students. Nine semi-structured interview questions prompted the student's self-care narratives. Following data analysis, four themes emerged; self-talk, self-management, physical outlets and activities, and social support. A need exists for associate-degree nurse educators to support student self-care.

Student Self-Care in the Sciences: A Self-Care Intervention in an Undergraduate Physiological Psychology Course

Student Self-Care in the Sciences: A Self-Care Intervention in an Undergraduate Physiological Psychology Course

"Taking Time": Exploring Music Therapy Student Self-Care Definitions and Practices.

The concept of self-care for music therapists is not a new topic in the literature, yet music therapy students' perspectives have largely been excluded from formal discussions and research studies. For this reason, this study aimed to examine music therapy students' conceptualizations of self-care and identify practices that students frequently engage in for self-care. As part of a national survey, music therapy students currently enrolled in an academic degree program for music therapy within the United States defined self-care and identified up to three of their most frequent self-care practices. We analyzed the student self-care definitions and self-care practices using inductive content analysis. Two primary categories emerged from the student definitions-the Act of Self-Care and the Desired Outcomes of Self-Care-with several more detailed subcategories. Additionally, we grouped participants' most common self-care practices into 10 categories and identified two emergent areas for exploration: self-care practices done with others/done alone and engaging in self-care practices that intentionally do not involve anything related to academics/coursework/clinical work. Together, these findings indicate that students' conceptualizations of self-care and their self-care practices have similarities and differences with music therapy professionals' perspectives and practices. We discuss these findings in depth and provide recommendations for future self-care discussions that emphasize the need to prioritize students' perspectives and to expand conceptualizations of self-care to include contextual and systemic impacts and factors that influence the individual self-care experience.

Exploring the Self-care Practices and Needs of Entry-Level Nursing Students: A Pilot Project

Self-care is often lacking in nursing students worldwide. The objectives for this study were to discover the current self-care practices of one group of entry level undergraduate nursing students, the students’ understanding of self-care, and the students’ preferences for self-care interventions aimed at improving self-care. Quantitative and quantitative measures were used to measure the students’ current self-care practices, needs, and recommendations for interventions to be used in future semesters to improve nursing student self-care. The students were found to generally be deficient in areas related to nutrition, obtaining healthcare information or guidance, pacing themselves to avoid exhaustion, and performing relaxation exercises. They scored well on areas related to psychosocial self-care, such as believing their life has meaning or having meaningful relationships. Several suggestions were made by the students for encouraging nursing student self-care. Nursing students are often lacking in self-care. It is important for nursing programs worldwide to develop and encourage student self-care.

A Qualitative Study of MSW Student Self-Care and Wellness: Implications for Social Work Education

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explored MSW students’ perceived facilitators and barriers to self-care. Research suggests MSW students experience high stress from heavy course workloads, internship, and exposure to human suffering. MSW students report difficulty engaging in self-care, even when provided by their programs. Hence, it is important to gain insights into what promotes and prohibits MSW student self-care. MSW students participated in four semi-structured focus groups (N = 27, x– age = 27.8 years, 85.2% female, 55.6% white, 44.4% students of color). Analysis followed a combination of constant comparison and template analysis. Five themes underscore barriers and facilitators to self-care. Findings suggest importance of fostering a culture of self-care in MSW programs and assisting students to alter cognitive roadblocks to self-care.

Sınıf öğretmenleri için zorluklar ve temel beceriler: Öz-yeterlik inanç ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi

The study aims to shed light on the strengths of the primary school teaching profession and the fundamental skills that a primary school teacher (PST) should have while also taking into account the views of the PSTs. However, based on the data collected, the objective is to develop a self-efficacy belief scale (SEBS) for PSTs and teacher candidates. The first stage was carried out with 80 PSTs with at least five years of professional experience. 763 PSTs and PST candidates participated in second stage of the study. A SEBS was developed for PSTs and teacher candidates in light of the obtained data. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used for qualitative data. The categories of being a teacher in village school, administration-colleague and parent-related problems, student self-care, pedagogical qualifications, and personal and professional development were attained concerning the challenges and fundamental skills for PSTs. Scale development steps were followed second stage of the study. The SEBS containing three sub-dimensions and 19 items is assumed to be helpful and valid and reliable metrics.

The Mindfulness-Based Social Work and Self-Care Programme: A Mixed Methods Evaluation Study

Abstract During their social work education, students engage in a number of stressful learning activities, often simultaneously, which can negatively impact their well-being, mental health and social work practice. Mindfulness practices are beginning to be integrated into social work curricula globally to enhance student self-care along with key social work practice skills and values. This mixed methods study examined the effects of a bespoke six-week online mindfulness-based social work and self-care (MBSWSC) programme on the stress, burnout, well-being, anxiety and depression levels of thirty social work students from two universities in the UK. This study also examined the effects of MBSWSC on a number of mindfulness-based mediators of change in these outcomes. Participant perceptions of the benefits of the MBSWSC programme on their well-being and social work practice are further explored via a thematic analysis of an open-ended questionnaire. Statistically significant changes in all variables were found post-programme except for depression and loss of empathy/depersonalisation, a facet of burnout. The qualitative data provided a deeper insight into the potential benefits of the programme for the enhancement of student well-being, mental health and anti-oppressive social work practice (AOP).

Undergraduate Student Stress, Classroom Engagement, and Self-Directed Learning Postcurricular Revision.

One way of promoting student success in a nursing program is through curricular revision. However, significant curricular revision coupled with a simultaneous move to active learning strategies can have an impact on the educational and emotional well-being of students. This descriptive correlational study examined student stress, engagement, and self-directed learning in a convenience sample of junior-level nursing students (N = 164) after a transition to a new curriculum and active learning methods. The researchers identified moderate stress levels in students, which affected both classroom engagement and self-directed learning. Select demographic variables also impacted study outcome variables. The findings of this study highlight the need for interventions to promote stress reduction and self-care for students. Faculty and curriculum committees must remain vigilant when restructuring the curriculum ladder to decrease the academic burden on already stressed students. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(10):566-569.].

Responsabilidad social universitaria en tiempos de pandemia: mirada desde la función docente (Universidad de Antofagasta – Chile)

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la responsabilidad social universitaria en tiempos de pandemia, mirada desde la función docente en la promoción del autocuidado de los estudiantes. Para ello se utilizó un enfoque cuantitativo y diseño no experimental transeccional-descriptivo. Los participantes fueron 85 docentes de la carrera de pedagogía en educación básica de la Universidad de Antofagasta. Se aplicó muestreo probabilístico intencional y se utilizó cuestionario con escalamiento tipo Likert. Los resultados demostraron que los docentes manejan la responsabilidad social universitaria en tiempos de pandemia, sin embargo, necesitan fortalecer la promoción del autocuidado en los estudiantes y el manejo del conocimiento sobre pandemia con herramientas poderosas de cuidado, protección y resguardo para la vida. Los hallazgos encontrados permitieron concluir que los docentes deben promover estrategias de promoción del autocuidado, tales como el uso de podcast, vodcast, videos y cápsulas educativas que acceden a la comprensión de la pandemia COVID-19.

Patients and Caregivers Helping to Shape the Undergraduate Pharmacy Mental Health Curriculum

Objective. To develop a model system for involving patients and caregivers in curriculum development of mental health education in an undergraduate pharmacy program. Methods. Purposive recruitment was used to convene a focus group of nine people with experience in using mental health services from either the patient or caregiver perspective. Group members were asked about their experience with using pharmacy services and their suggestions for enhancement of the undergraduate curriculum. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results. Patients and caregivers believed that pharmacists could contribute to the care of people who experience mental health conditions by supporting shared decision making, providing information, actively managing side effects of psychotropic medication, and conducting regular medication review. Subjects suggested that the pharmacy undergraduate curriculum should introduce mental health from the beginning, include self-care for students, integrate mental and physical health education, and enhance students' communication skills. The curriculum should include broader issues relevant to mental health beyond the use of medication, such as stigma, the recovery approach, and interprofessional cooperation. These changes could support graduates in engaging proactively with people experiencing mental health difficulties. Conclusion. Involving patients and caregivers in the design of an undergraduate pharmacy curriculum in mental health resulted in a more person-centered and student-centered approach to mental health education at our university. Ultimately, the changes made to the undergraduate curriculum will improve the ability of pharmacy graduates to better meet the needs of patients.

Impact of a Yoga and Meditation Intervention on Students' Stress and Anxiety Levels

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a six-week yoga and meditation intervention on college students' stress perception, anxiety levels, and mindfulness skills. Methods. College students participated in a six-week pilot program that consisted of a 60-minute vinyasa flow yoga class once weekly, followed by guided meditation delivered by trained faculty members at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Students completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to evaluate changes in the following outcomes: stress levels, anxiety levels, and mindfulness skills. The questionnaire consisted of three self-reporting tools: the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Students' scores on each were assessed to detect any changes from baseline using the numerical and categorical scales (low, medium, and high) for each instrument. Results. Seventeen participants, aged 19 to 23 years, completed the study. Thirteen participants were female and four were male. Nine of the students were enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program and eight were enrolled in other academic programs. Students' anxiety and stress scores decreased significantly while their total mindfulness increased significantly. Changes in categorical data from pre- to post-intervention on the BAI and PSS were significant, with no students scoring in the "high" category for stress or anxiety on the post-intervention questionnaire. Conclusion. Students experienced a reduction in stress and anxiety levels after completing a six-week yoga and meditation program preceding final examinations. Results suggest that adopting a mindfulness practice for as little as once per week may reduce stress and anxiety in college students. Administrators should consider including instruction in nonpharmacologic stress and anxiety reduction methods, within curricula in order to support student self-care.

A Survey of Music Therapy Students' Perceived Stress and Self-Care Practices.

High levels of stress and burnout are common among professional music therapists and researchers suggest that guidance related to self-care during clinical training may influence professional success and strain. Currently, little is known about music therapy students' perceived stress and levels of self-care engagement. The purpose of this study was to examine music therapy students' perceived stress levels and self-care practices to inform future research in this area. Music therapy students (n = 371) who were currently enrolled in an academic degree program for music therapy within the United States completed this study. Instrumentation included Perceived Stress Scale and a researcher-modified Student Self-Care Scale (SSCS). Academic program directors distributed the online survey to students. Results indicated that both scales had adequate-to-good internal consistency. An exploratory factor analysis of the SSCS revealed that music therapy students' self-care includes eight factors related to academic and personal self-care practices. The average level of perceived stress reported across music therapy students is higher than previously reported levels for adults in the United States. More specifically, undergraduate music therapy students report higher perceived stress than undergraduate students in general. Lower frequency of self-care engagement, particularly in regard to self-awareness and physical self-care practices, was associated with higher levels of perceived stress. This study provides previously unreported student data of interest to educators and supervisors in music therapy. Continued investigations should focus on the music therapy students' experience and educators' concerns, both of which may generate new curricular approaches to addressing stress and self-care.

Social Work Student Self-Care and Academic Stress

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between self-care and academic stress in the hope that training social work students to practice self-care will start them on the right path to academic success and career longevity. The study surveyed 90 BASW and MSW students using the Academic Stress Scale. Students who practiced daily self-care had lower academic stress. In addition, with each year of progression through the program, students experienced minimally less academic stress. The type of self-care practiced was not a factor. Social work programs can be encouraged to teach self-care. Self-care theory and domains are also reviewed. More studies are needed to examine other factors that might reduce academic stress.

What Do Medical Students Do for Self-Care? A Student-Centered Approach to Well-Being

ABSTRACTPhenomenon: Despite the promotion of medical student health and wellness through recent program and curricular changes, research continues to show that medical education is associated with decreased well-being in medical students. Although many institutions have sought to more effectively assess and improve self-care in medical students, no self-care initiatives have been designed using the explicit perspectives of students themselves. Approach: Using concept mapping methodology, the research team created a student-generated taxonomy of self-care behaviors taken from a national sample of medical students in response to a brainstorming prompt. The research team examined how students’ conceptualizations of self-care may be organized into a framework suitable for use in programming and curricular change in medical education. Findings: Ten clusters of self-care activities were identified: nourishment, hygiene, intellectual and creative health, physical activity, spiritual care, balance and relaxation, time for loved ones, big picture goals, pleasure and outside activities, and hobbies. Using results of the two-dimensional scaling analysis, students’ individual self-care behaviors were organized within two orthogonal dimensions of self-care activities. Insights: This concept map of student-identified self-care activities provides a starting point for better understanding and ultimately improving medical student self-care. Students’ brainstormed responses fit within a framework of varying levels of social engagement and physical-psychological health that included a wide range of solitary, social, physical, and mental health behaviors. As students’ preferred self-care practices did not often include programmatic activities, medical educators may benefit from consulting this map as they plan new approaches to student self-care and in counseling individual students searching for more effective ways to ease the burdens of medical school.

Mindfulness training as social work pedagogy: Exploring benefits, challenges, and issues for consideration in integrating mindfulness into social work education

ABSTRACTMindfulness training is increasingly being integrated as a contemplative pedagogy in social work education. Social work educators are using mindfulness training to support student self-care, facilitate critical reflection and enhance dialogue around challenging topics, integrate spiritual and holistic perspectives, and to help students develop direct practice skills. In this article, we describe a course we developed, where we use mindfulness training as a means of enhancing student self-care and well-being. We draw on our own experience, student evaluations, and the existing literature to identify and reflect upon key considerations in introducing this innovative experiential pedagogy into the social work classroom.