Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an applied mental health course in a university setting in reducing distress and symptoms of depression and increasing levels of psychological flexibility. As university psychological services are unable to meet the need of their students, other methods of treatment must be explored. Participants in the study are comprised of those who chose to enroll in a student development course aimed at increasing psychological flexibility and introducing basic psychoeducation as well as various university students who elected to participate. Depressive symptoms and psychological flexibility were measured pre-, mid-, and twice post-test in both the experimental and control groups. Split-plot Analysis of Variance and Covariance were conducted to explore outcomes. Results suggest that the psychoeducational course effectively reduces symptoms of depression and levels of psychological flexibility were increased for participants within the course. However, levels of distress were not significantly affected by the course. Further research to increase generalizability and affirm results is necessary.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2023-08-14

Document Type

Dissertation

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd12911

Keywords

Student mental health, psychological flexibility, psychoeducation, university resources, depression

Language

english

Included in

Education Commons

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