Navigating Student Life: Assessing the Impact of Resource Utilization on Perceived Well-Being at URI
Major
Communication Studies
Second Major
Political Science
Advisor
Rundlett, Ashlea, P
Advisor Department
Political Science
Date
5-2024
Keywords
Subjective well-being; resources; communication
Abstract
Navigating Student Life: Assessing the Impact of Resource Utilization on
Perceived Well-Being at URI
Anna Youmell
Major:
Communication Studies and Political Science
Advisor:
Dr. Ashlea Rundlett
Advisor Department:
Political Science
Date:
5-2024
Keywords:
Subjective well-being, resources, communication
Abstract:
In recent years, there has been a greater shift towards prioritizing students’ well-being in schools by providing them with resources beyond those related to academics. The institutionalization of well-being resources, such as Health Education Workshops and Disability, Access, and Inclusion services, has been more prevalent in primary and secondary education, whereas the research for such resources at the higher education level is quite minimal. This study assessed the subjective well-being of surveyed URI students to demonstrate the importance of having such resources, and, in addition, how the choice of channels of communication could impact the rates of utilization of resource centers by in-need student populations. Factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, year in school, average family income, employment status and commute to campus may all impact students’ subjective well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 434 URI college students to assess students’ demographic data, subjective well-being, knowledge and/or usage of university resources, and attitudes towards effective communication channels. Using the statistical software R, OLS regressions and descriptive statistics were performed. On average, respondents reported feeling slightly more dissatisfied than satisfied with their lives. Respondents with lower subjective well-being reported that they are more likely to use specific university resources such as the Counseling Center or Student Support and Advocacy Services. Respondents with higher subjective well-being reported that they are more likely to not need such resources. Students’ top preferred communication channels to learn about resources are: email, Facebook, syllabi, professors, Instagram, and Brightspace. URI administrators should consider utilizing the listed preferred communication channels more prominently to reach students with lower subjective well-being that want more knowledge regarding these resources.