When College Students Look after Themselves: Self-Care Practices and Well-Being

Abstract

Research has shown that psychological well-being is positively associated with student engagement, persistence, and performance. To learn more about the behaviors that underlie well-being, 206 (predominantly female) university students completed measures of well-being and six self-care practices. Four such practices (mindful acceptance, seeking social support, sleep hygiene, and food habits) uniquely predicted well-being, but physical exercise did not. Findings can aid the development and implementation of interventions to increase self-care and well-being in student populations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jemma Moses

Jemma Moses graduated from the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University.

Graham L. Bradley

Graham Bradley is Associate Professor in the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University.

Frances V. O’Callaghan

Frances O’Callaghan is Associate Professor in the Menzies Health Institute Queensland and the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University.