Tülbox: the stress management app for college and university students
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The college years are a transformative period for young adults, yet without sufficient supports, students nationwide have difficulty adjusting and are demonstrating lifestyle imbalance, characterized by increased stress (Pedersen, 2012). As a result, students are engaging in maladaptive stress coping behaviors, which are negatively impacting wellbeing and academic performance (Coccia, & Darling, 2014; Pedersen, 2012). There remains a gap between resources available and utilization of these resources, while a number of barriers prevent necessary care, including the mental health stigma and a lack of awareness of available resources (American College Health Association, 2019; Conley, Travers & Bryant, 2013; Goodman, 2017; Holland, 2016). This doctoral project aims to address the identified gaps through (1) identification of health behavior and adult learning theories to be applied to an innovative intervention, (2) investigation of evidence-based best practices for developing effective stress management skills and for technology-delivered health interventions, (3) development of an outline for a stress management mobile phone application for college and university students, (4) discussion of implementation and evaluation plans, and (5) development of a dissemination plan. By demonstrating a solution to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for college students, this program will contribute to the field of occupational therapy (OT) by promoting the role of OT on college campuses and creating a shift towards an emerging area of practice.