Advisor Information
Lisa L. Scherer
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
3-3-2017 11:30 AM
End Date
3-3-2017 11:45 AM
Abstract
Stress is an increasing concern in college students because it can negatively affect them mentally, physically and socially. Though many studies have examined the efficacy of various stress management strategies for enhancing college student wellbeing and success, few have explored preventative stress strategies, This study, part of a larger exploration of college student stress and well-being, explored the preventative strategies utilized by college students to prevent stress, anxiety and depression. Individual interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Skype or FaceTime; they were also taped and verbatim responses were transcribed. Participants were asked open-ended questions in order to capture the participant’s naturally occurring responses without forcing certain questions on them, which may or may not characterize their responses. The primary goal of the study was to determine which types of preventative stress practices were more commonly used by college students. Responses were categorized according to a taxonomy of proactive responses developed by Lambert, McCarthy, Gilbert, Sebree, Steinley-Bumgarner (2006). Themes chosen include: Perceived Control, Maintaining Perspective, Social Resourcefulness, Scanning, Self-acceptance, and Time for Enjoyment. Results showed that the preventative measures most often used included ‘Time for Enjoyment’, defined as activities students did that brought them joy including hobbies and passions such as reading or exercising, and ‘Scanning’ which included anticipated demands and planning ahead. Future research is needed to link these proactive stress prevention strategies with outcomes as overall well-being and success in college.
Being Proactive: An Exploration of How College Students Prevent Stress
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Stress is an increasing concern in college students because it can negatively affect them mentally, physically and socially. Though many studies have examined the efficacy of various stress management strategies for enhancing college student wellbeing and success, few have explored preventative stress strategies, This study, part of a larger exploration of college student stress and well-being, explored the preventative strategies utilized by college students to prevent stress, anxiety and depression. Individual interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Skype or FaceTime; they were also taped and verbatim responses were transcribed. Participants were asked open-ended questions in order to capture the participant’s naturally occurring responses without forcing certain questions on them, which may or may not characterize their responses. The primary goal of the study was to determine which types of preventative stress practices were more commonly used by college students. Responses were categorized according to a taxonomy of proactive responses developed by Lambert, McCarthy, Gilbert, Sebree, Steinley-Bumgarner (2006). Themes chosen include: Perceived Control, Maintaining Perspective, Social Resourcefulness, Scanning, Self-acceptance, and Time for Enjoyment. Results showed that the preventative measures most often used included ‘Time for Enjoyment’, defined as activities students did that brought them joy including hobbies and passions such as reading or exercising, and ‘Scanning’ which included anticipated demands and planning ahead. Future research is needed to link these proactive stress prevention strategies with outcomes as overall well-being and success in college.