Effects of a Brief, Solution-Focused, Digital Intervention on Social Wellness Among College Students: A Pilot Study

James Beauchemin, Danya Krueger, Taylor Yates, Xiao Ding

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Current trends among college students include compromised mental health and wellness which have been exacerbated due to COVID-19. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a brief, digital intervention focused on social wellness among college students on wellness-related outcomes including perceived wellness, life satisfaction, and happiness. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal, explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized. Quantitative data were collected from a total of 133 participants using questionnaires at baseline and one-week post-intervention. RM-ANOVA and post-hoc pairwise comparisons were employed to assess quantitative data. Qualitative data collection was obtained via semi-structured interviews at six weeks post-intervention and evaluated using Applied Thematic Analysis. A sub-sample (n = 23) from the participant pool (N = 133) completed the interviews. Results: Results indicated intervention effectiveness as participants experienced significant positive change in perceived wellness, the primary outcome variable. Significant relationships were detected between wellness outcomes and goal attainment (e.g. I am confident in my ability to complete my goals) items. Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to accessibility and convenience of the intervention, increased self-awareness, and increased intentionality of participants. Discussion: This study demonstrates the utility of a brief, digital intervention on wellness-related outcomes. Benefits were shown of a preventative, self-directed and solution-focused approach in enhancing wellness among college students. Conclusion: From a social work perspective, employing a salutogenic approach to support college students’ wellbeing aligns with the field’s core values. Specifically, this social wellness-focused intervention encourages self-determination, dignity and worth of the person, and emphasizes the importance of human relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)349-362
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Evidence-Based Social Work (United States)
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • college students
  • digital
  • solution-focused
  • Wellness

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