Benefits of a psychoeducational happiness course on university student mental well-being both before and during a COVID-19 lockdown

Health Psychol Open. 2021 Mar 17;8(1):2055102921999291. doi: 10.1177/2055102921999291. eCollection 2021 Jan-Jun.

Abstract

We tested whether a psychoeducational course improved well-being in three cohorts. Study 1 found significantly higher mental well-being in first year undergraduates who took the course compared to a waiting-list control. Study 2 revealed that students taking the course when COVID-19 restrictions began did not experience increases in mental well-being but had significantly higher well-being than a third matched group. In Study 3, an online course increased mental well-being in University students and staff during a COVID-19 lockdown. These findings support the claim that psychoeducational courses are beneficial in both live and online formats and in times of collective uncertainty.

Keywords: mental health; mental well-being; positive psychology; students; universities.