An examination of college student wellness: A research and liberal arts perspective

Abstract

Promoting wellness within academia reduces disease frequency and enhances overall health. This study examined wellness factors among undergraduate students attending a research university (<i>n</i> = 85) or a small liberal arts college (<i>n</i> = 126). Participants were administered surveys which measured <i>physical, emotional, social, intellectual</i>, and <i>occupational</i> wellness. Significant institutional differences emerged on measures of physical and social wellness. When collapsed across academic institutions, students who were gainfully employed reported greater self-efficacy compared with unemployed students. Gender differences emerged on measures of physical and social well-being. Our findings support the need for targeted interventions that facilitate enhanced college student development and well-being.