Behavioral and Cognitive Effects of the College Experience On Students’ Wellbeing

Abstract

Post-secondary students face a unique set of living conditions that can exacerbate stress levels as well as provide the opportunity for social and academic betterment. We conducted a qualitative study to determine what effects higher education have on students, particularly as it pertains to the concept of intimacy vs. isolation. Participants were taken into a private room and interviewed using a qualitative survey and an oral assessment to determine how the role of being a student has impacted their overall health mentally, physically and spiritually and emotionally. Students were questioned specifically about how they felt regarding their college experience thus far and asked to detail the specific positive and negative aspects of college life and any changes that it had caused for them (i.e. weight gain or loss, increased stress, social development, etc.) To ensure validity, researchers kept the data anonymous and individually analyzed all of the data, creating a system of checks and balances. Through thematic analysis, we found that college life can cause an increase of stress and emotional distress if the student lacks a solid support system and has experienced difficulties adjusting. This is vital information for institutions and can be used to improve or create programs dedicated to helping students transition into college.