College students' mental health well-being and their knowledge and use of self-care

Authors

  • Sarah Arroyo New Mexico Highlands University
  • Kylee Dickinson-Collins New Mexico Highlands University
  • Craig Stern New Mexico Highlands University
  • Graciela Gonzales New Mexico Highlands University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/cpr7n345

Keywords:

college students., mental health., self-care, wellness., mixed methods.

Abstract

There is a growing mental health crisis on U.S. college campuses. Because of stigma, costs, and limited college counseling services, this study seeks to understand how self-care can promote a college student’s mental health. This mixed-methods survey took place at a public university in the Southwestern region of the U.S. Correlational and regression analyses found that self-care was a predictor of overall mental health well-being. The findings also suggest that students believe that their culture does not support self-care. The following themes emerged: physical wellness and maintenance, emotional and mental wellness, mindfulness and spirituality, connection and relational support, creativity, expression, and enjoyment, and barriers to self-care. The researchers encourage promoting self-care and educating students about these types of practices.

Author Biographies

  • Sarah Arroyo, New Mexico Highlands University

    I am a MSW student at New Mexico Highlands University.

  • Kylee Dickinson-Collins, New Mexico Highlands University

    I am a BSW student at New Mexico Highlands University.

  • Craig Stern, New Mexico Highlands University

    I am an Assistant Professor of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University.

  • Graciela Gonzales, New Mexico Highlands University

    I am a MSW student at New Mexico Highlands University.

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Published

2026-01-01

Issue

Section

STEM Education (regular)

How to Cite

Arroyo, S. ., Dickinson-Collins, K. ., Stern, C. ., & Gonzales, G. . (2026). College students’ mental health well-being and their knowledge and use of self-care. American Journal of STEM Education, 19, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.32674/cpr7n345