Policy and Practice
Asynchronous Session
Emotional Flexibility While Weathering the Challenges of Residential College Life
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Verna DeLauer, Andrea McGill-O’Rourke
The purpose of this research is to use constructive developmentalism as a lens to understand how college-aged students are managing their health and wellness needs in a challenging setting. Many colleges are struggling with deferred maintenance and students are facing sub-par living conditions while trying to perform academically. Qualitative interviews and an adult developmental assessment methodology are used. Knowing how students of different ages make meaning of these challenges as they navigate their health and wellness needs independent of parents can help to improve campus healthcare facilities, including mental health counseling.
Featured Digital Alchemy: Pioneering Digital Avenues for Positive Psychological Interventions
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Monika Srivastava
In an age characterized by ubiquitous digital connectivity, the fusion of technology and well-being has emerged as a fascinating crossroads. As the world is undergoing a rapid digital revolution, the intersection of positive psychology and technology emerges as a pioneering force for innovation. This work delves into this transformative space, focusing on positive psychological interventions. It explores new and innovative approaches within the digital realm, analyzing how various forms of technology can serve as a catalyst for advancing interventions aimed at promoting happiness and enhancing well-being. It investigates the role of digital tools such as mobile apps, online communities, teletherapy, and educational platforms in amplifying the efficacy of positive psychological interventions. These resources offer unique opportunities for individuals to embark on a journey toward their well-being and find solace in the virtual spaces created for support and growth. Furthermore, this paper considers the diverse culture of India and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to deliver positive psychological interventions. It highlights the fact that there is a need for interventions that resonate with the cultural context it is applied, thereby promoting inclusivity and relevance. In summary, it implies the exploration of how digital resources can be creatively harnessed into tools that enrich and uplift, marking a paradigm shift in the pursuit of well-being, especially within the vibrant tapestry of India.
Chronic Illness in Youth Engaged in the Child Welfare System: Why This Persists and What We Should Do
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Hailey Colpitts
The health status of children engaged in the child welfare system has been studied extensively, going back over fifty years to the 1970s. In recent decades there has been a focus on the disparities between youth who are engaged in the child welfare system, with non-white youth of color facing the most severe health disparities, likely due to their overrepresentation within the foster care system (Szilagyi et al.). A significant body of research on these health care concerns focuses on the mental health and trauma-responses of youth engaged in the system but not as much attention is paid to physical health or chronic illness. However, in “Physical Health Problems and Barriers to Optimal Health Care Among Children in Foster Care”, Dr. Stephanie Anne Deutsh and Dr. Kristine Fortin, MPH point out that unaddressed health needs, high rates of acute and/or chronic physical issues, and disparities in access to healthcare are found within youth who are in foster care (Deutsch and Fortin). This paper reviews why these disparities exist and solutions and implementations to decrease them.
Promoting Teacher Health: A Five Year Case Study of Providing Workplace Wellness to Minority Women View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Michelle Yetman
This case study examines a five-year health and wellness program aimed at reducing stress and improving physical health for Head Start (HS) teachers in Louisiana. A longitudinal case study spanning 2020 to 2025. Setting: Head Start programs in Northwest Louisiana, with delivery shifting from in-person to virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects include HS teachers and assistants, averaging 150 participants annually, with yearly fluctuations. Intervention: The program featured in-service training, virtual stress-management sessions, weekly wellness emails, and in-person ‘Wellness Retreats,’ providing mindfulness strategies, resources, and nutrition/exercise guidance tailored to teachers’ needs. Annual assessments varied but emphasized teacher feedback on health awareness, engagement, and specific health status metrics. This original paper offers a comprehensive overview of the five-year intervention, synthesizing some previously published annual data into a replicable model. Qualitative analysis of feedback and health risk trends informed adaptive interventions. Teachers reported heightened health awareness and engagement over five years. Key chronic illness risks were identified and addressed through customized support. Virtual and email outreach maintained a health-focused culture despite pandemic challenges. Conducted from 2020 to 2025, this study demonstrates the value of flexible, teacher-centered wellness programs. It provides a replicable framework for educational settings to enhance staff well-being in high-stress contexts.
