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This study examined differences between college students with and without disabilities who utilized college counseling center services. Although we found no differences between students with (n = 234, 9.2%) and without (n = 2,308, 90.8%) disabilities on number of counseling sessions attended, significant findings included: students with disabilities were more likely to self-terminate and more likely to be referred out than students without disabilities. Results suggest that students with disabilities are a diverse group requiring special consideration in college counseling settings. Recommendations for college counseling practice are discussed.

Background: There is widespread evidence of the health and wellness benefits associated with moderate physical activity, and lack of engagement with these behaviours remains a significant contributor to the burden of chronic disease in the US adult population. There are clear benefits to identifying motivational factors that facilitate increased personal adherence to physical activity behaviours. Objective: This study explored motivational influences on personal adherence to physical activity by examining the factors related to the behaviours of participants in an organised walking event. Design: Cross-sectional survey involving items for demographic variables, walking habits, perceived wellness, fulfilment of psychological needs, presence of chronic illness and motives for physical activity. Setting: The study sample included participants in a large US Midwestern walking event (N = 345) across a variety of demographic characteristics. Method: Study participants completed an online survey that gathered information related to personal demographics, behaviours and sources of motivation as measured by the Motives for Physical Activity Measure--Revised scale. This instrument was developed within the context of self-determination theory to measure different motives for implementing behaviours associated with physical activity. Results: Findings revealed different intrinsic (competence, enjoyment and social) and extrinsic (fitness and appearance) motivational influences on participation in walking events that varied based upon demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Motives for participation in walking events, as a mode of health promotion, are influenced by demographic characteristics and health states, and may be relevant for focused efforts to promote engagement with physical activity programming.

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. 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 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. 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. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College student-athletes face unique stressors that can contribute to compromised well-being. Additionally, there are a variety of barriers that prevent student-athletes from accessing mental health supports. This study used self-report questionnaires and qualitative interviews to examine the impact of an integrative outreach model that incorporated mental health education, sport psychology concepts, and mental skill techniques, on awareness and attitudes related to mental health and counseling. Findings indicate that this model may be effective in increasing awareness of mental health supports, reducing stigma, and development of performance enhancement and self-care skills.

Utilization rates of counseling services by international students continue to be low despite the growing presence of this population in American colleges and universities. There are a number of adjustment factors and stressors that can have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of international students, as well as a variety of barriers to accessing supports. This study examined international student utilization of counseling services at a Midwestern University over a period of 5 years. Results indicated that international students underutilized counseling services in all but one year examined, more female international students used the service than males, the majority of international students who did access counseling services were Asian, and the majority of students who accessed services kept appointments after intake sessions. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.

Provider adherence to system of care principles in service interactions with families is an important indicator of behavioral health service quality for youth; however, valid and pragmatic measures suitable for monitoring this quality indicator at population scale have not been developed. This article reports on two studies that developed and evaluated such a measure. In Study 1, an iterative, family-partnered process resulted in generation of 18 items that demonstrated unidimensionality and strong reliability among caregivers of youth participating in behavioral health services (N = 141). In Study 2, data from a second, statewide, stratified random sample of caregivers (N = 351) confirmed the items' unidimensionality, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity. Higher scores on the System of Care Adherence Scale were associated with lower risk of youth psychiatric hospitalization, greater perceived improvement in youth functioning, and greater increases in caregivers' self-efficacy to access services. Item response theory analyses indicated the items were strongly related to adherence; however, most were optimal for differentiating between low to moderate levels of adherence. The System of Care Adherence Scale is a psychometrically sound measure suitable for population surveillance of the extent to which families experience system of care principles in their interactions with providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wellness as a multidimensional construct has led to a paradigm shift between the traditional medical model and a more holistic approach to health promotion. In the following study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-six subject matter experts (SMEs) within the exercise and fitness industry. Qualitative data were collected about roles, perspectives, industry strengths and needs, and holistic wellness promotion, and an Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) revealed seven primary themes. These included: (1) wellness as a multidimensional construct, (2) a need for integration of stress management, (3) importance of physical health as a component of wellness, (4) a need for partnership between the fitness industry and medical community, (5) refocusing marketing efforts, (6) establishing industry standards, and (7) emphasis on behavior change and establishing healthy lifestyle trends. This study provides insight into the importance of wellness-promotion efforts to combat obesity, heightened stress, and unhealthy lifestyle trends, and the critical role that exercise and fitness industry professionals have in this change. It highlights specific areas of needed industry change that could facilitate a multidimensional understanding of wellness and result in more holistic approaches to the promotion of health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates that college students are experiencing mental health challenges of greater severity and frequency. College students present with a variety of wellness-related challenges, resulting in increased demand on campus health resources and service limitations including extended wait lists and increased off-campus referrals. This research study examined the effectiveness of a short-term solution-focused intervention on perceptions of wellness and stress among the college student population. This study utilized a longitudinal, mixed-methods design to assess the impact of a brief (seven-week) intervention on perceived stress and wellness among 52 college students at a large Midwestern University, using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Five-Factor Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle (5 F-WEL). Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) results indicated significant differences across time for perceived stress and wellness (p <.01). To augment quantitative data, a brief, semi-structured interview was completed with 24 study participants post-intervention, and an Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) was conducted as a means of identifying themes. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a solution-focused wellness (SFW) approach in changing perceptions of stress and wellness. Findings provide support for a prevention model in which college students are encouraged to proactively engage in lifestyle activities that enhance their wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization rates of counseling services by international students continue to be low despite the growing presence of this population in American colleges and universities. There are a number of adjustment factors and stressors that can have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of international students, as well as a variety of barriers to accessing supports. This study examined international student utilization of counseling services at a Midwestern University over a period of 5 years. Results indicated that international students underutilized counseling services in all but one year examined, more female international students used the service than males, the majority of international students who did access counseling services were Asian, and the majority of students who accessed services kept appointments after intake sessions. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]