Applying the social ecological framework to enhance wellness for student veterans. Issue 7 (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Phillip A.; Barker, Lisa; Monar, Astrid
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 2099
• Page End: 2107
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: Mental health -- public health -- social ecological framework -- student veterans; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1844716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To increase campus-wide wellness for student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs), student services professionals, healthcare providers, and faculty collaborated to implement the Social Ecological Framework (SEF) over a three-year project. Participants One thousand six hundred and seventy eight SSM/Vs enrolled at a medium-sized doctoral granting institution with high-research activity (R2). SSM/Vs were directly and indirectly impacted through a series of initiatives, including stigma reduction efforts, wellness promotion, faculty training, therapeutic services, and peer-advising. Methods Data collection included student success measures such as retention, student satisfaction/feedback, peer-advising meetings, psychotherapy sessions, TBI screenings, and growth measures from a mental health stigma scale. Results A significant increase in therapy sessions conducted at the Wellness Center, increased faculty trainings, new and strengthened partnerships, and an increase in SSM/V retention. Conclusions Results suggest that collaborative efforts applying the SEF can create improved educational conditions and outcomes for SSM/Vs. A review of SSM/V wellness literature and suggestions for other campuses are offered.