Identifying protective socio-ecological factors for college students in California's deadliest wildfire

J Am Coll Health. 2024 Feb-Mar;72(2):356-360. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2047706. Epub 2022 Mar 10.

Abstract

Objectives: This case study examined multi-level social-ecological supports in promoting well-being through college students impacted by one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.Participants: College students attending a large public university were surveyed (N = 354, Mage = 22.7, 76.2% female, 61% white).Methods: Measures included demographics, individual factors (mindfulness, sleep problems), social support (emotional support, family support, and friendship), and sense of community. Multiple linear regression models on well-being were constructed.Results: Findings indicated that mindfulness, sleep disturbances, emotional support, family support, number of close friends, and sense of community were significant predictors of well-being.Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of universities in proactively bolstering critical social-ecological needs of college students living in communities vulnerable to climate-change accelerated environmental disasters.

Keywords: Climate change; community building; environmental loss; health promotion; social support.

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Social Support
  • Students* / psychology
  • Universities
  • Wildfires*