Abstract

The transition to college elicits newfound independence for those who are moving from their homes to campus. With this transition, the individuals are now forced to establish their own routines and habits in a completely new environment. Because of this, college students are more likely to experience high levels of stress, poor dietary habits, low sleep quality, and decreased physical activity. Individual behaviors cause around 50% of premature deaths, so establishing healthy habits as early as possible is the best thing a person can do to keep chronic illness and unwanted medical struggles away. Occupational balance, or the pleasant integration of all areas of one life is the result of individual behaviors and daily activities being harmonious and benefiting an individual. The purpose of this study was to provide education to freshmen students through six week intervention about occupational balance. The intervention utilized a pretest, four weeks of education on sleep, stress management, exercise, and diet, and followed with a post test. Results showed that over the six weeks, the individuals became more comfortable and felt their lives had become more balanced. Integrating education about healthy habit formation into first year courses can help students to establish more effective routines that will set them up for success in college and beyond.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 2023

Mentor

Julie A. Duckart

Mentor Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

5311

Presentation

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1b7c3txMdu3pQcbCZsij0fh9y89NJKQNwZevVY0rDJYQ/edit?usp=sharing

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