Research Article

How traditional undergraduate college students define and perceive wellness: A qualitative phenomenological study

Published: N/A

Journal: Journal of American College Health

DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2299431

Abstract

## Abstract **Objective** To understand college students’ perceptions and understanding of wellness. **Participants** A convenience sample of 20 undergraduate students (age 20.6 ± 2.2 years) at a private liberal arts university in Southern California who recently completed a general education health and wellness course. **Method** Five focus group sessions were conducted to explore perceptions of wellness among undergraduate college students. Data was analyzed, themed, and coded. **Results** A thematic analysis of the descriptions of wellness revealed 2 higher-ordered themes as whole-person and wellbeing, and 3 lower-ordered themes of balance, interconnectedness, and personalized in relation to participants’ understanding of wellness. **Conclusions** The importance of balance between wellness dimensions and the acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of wellness dimensions are related to quality of life and life satisfaction. A deeper insight is needed to better understand the perceptions of wellness in this population to provide more effective interventions. This can be achieved through the development of enhanced pedagogy, which may improve student health. **Keywords:** Perceptions, wellness, emerging adults, college students, general education course. **Conflict of interest disclosure** The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Point Loma Nazarene University (IRB # 18230), and participants provided informed consent. **Additional information** **Funding** The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Faculty Members

  • Ryan Nokes - Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California, USA
  • Leamor Kahanov - Stockton University, Galloway Township, New Jersey, USA
  • Malissa Martin - Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah, USA
  • Hannah Erickson - Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California, USA
  • Laura Marinaro - Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, USA
  • Alisa Ward - Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah, USAPoint Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California, USA

Themes

  • Interconnectedness of wellness
  • Health interventions for college students
  • Dimensions of wellness
  • Balance in wellness
  • Quality of life
  • Student perceptions of wellness
  • Whole-person wellness

Categories

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