First-Year College Experiences: Exploring Self-Care Practices and Wellness.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	First-Year College Experiences: Exploring Self-Care Practices and Wellness.
Authors:	Chinopfukutwa, Vimbayi¹ vchinopfu001@csbsju.edu, Braun, Josie² jbraun001@csbsju.edu
Source:	Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin. 2026, Vol. 92 Issue 5, p36-44. 9p.
Subject Terms:	College freshmen, Health promotion, *Interpersonal relations, Health self-care, Mental health, Undergraduate education, Mindfulness, Psychological well-being
Abstract:	This study examined the extent to which first-year undergraduates engaged in self-care. Additionally, the authors investigated the link between engagement in self-care and firstyear undergraduates’ wellness (physical and mental health). Online self-report surveys of self-care behaviors and wellness were collected from 114 first-year undergraduates aged between 18 and 20 years (M=18.31, SD = 0.50) taking Introductory Psychology during the 2023–2024 academic year at a 4-year private liberal arts college located in a rural area in the midwestern United States. Participants reported that they regularly used supportive relationships in self-care, often had a supportive structure, and often engaged in selfcare behaviors such as mindful awareness, mindful relaxation, and self-compassion and purpose. Participants also reported that they sometimes engaged in physical care. Finally, the results indicated a significant positive relationship between participants’ engagement in self-care and their wellness. The findings suggest that engaging in self-care is important for first-year undergraduates as they navigate various aspects of college life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	This study examined the extent to which first-year undergraduates engaged in self-care. Additionally, the authors investigated the link between engagement in self-care and firstyear undergraduates’ wellness (physical and mental health). Online self-report surveys of self-care behaviors and wellness were collected from 114 first-year undergraduates aged between 18 and 20 years (M=18.31, SD = 0.50) taking Introductory Psychology during the 2023–2024 academic year at a 4-year private liberal arts college located in a rural area in the midwestern United States. Participants reported that they regularly used supportive relationships in self-care, often had a supportive structure, and often engaged in selfcare behaviors such as mindful awareness, mindful relaxation, and self-compassion and purpose. Participants also reported that they sometimes engaged in physical care. Finally, the results indicated a significant positive relationship between participants’ engagement in self-care and their wellness. The findings suggest that engaging in self-care is important for first-year undergraduates as they navigate various aspects of college life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00118044