When College Students Look after Themselves: Self-Care Practices and Well-Being

Abstract

Research has shown that psychological well-being is positively associated with student engagement, persistence, and performance. To learn more about the behaviors that underlie well-being, 206 (predominantly female) university students completed measures of well-being and six self-care practices. Four such practices (mindful acceptance, seeking social support, sleep hygiene, and food habits) uniquely predicted well-being, but physical exercise did not. Findings can aid the development and implementation of interventions to increase self-care and well-being in student populations.