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. 2020 Oct 28:11:566307.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.566307. eCollection 2020.

Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Comparison of Music and Sport Students Through the Framework of Self Determination Theory

Elena Alessandri  1 , Dawn Rose  1 , David Wasley  2
Affiliations

Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Comparison of Music and Sport Students Through the Framework of Self Determination Theory

Elena Alessandri et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Students in Higher Education report high levels of mental health issues and psychological distress. Paradoxical findings on performance-orientated students, such as athletes and musicians, suggest that the demands of highly skilled vocations may enhance wellbeing while being detrimental to physical and mental health. To provide timely and appropriate help, institutions need to understand what areas of health and wellbeing are compromised in different student groups. In this study, we compared performance-orientated (music and sport) students to other students and the general population on a selection of wellbeing (WHO5, PWS, and WEMWBS), mental and physical health (K10, SF12, and PHQ9), and trait measures (TIPI, LOT-R, and PCS). Through an online survey (N = 273), data were collected from bachelor and master students (n = 135 music, n = 67 sport, n = 71 controls). Students' scores were compared to the general population, where norm values were available, and analyzed within and between groups. Multiple regression was performed to investigate trait measures as predictors of wellbeing. All groups scored significantly below population norms for wellbeing and mental health. One third were classed as having moderate to severe depression. Musicians scored higher openness to experience than athletes. While sport students showed a highly homogenous within-group profile, music students' scores differed significantly across study courses (e.g., performance and composition). Predictors for wellbeing were: optimism and emotional stability (all students); additionally conscientiousness (sport and music); and perceived competence (music only). As expected, students reported more health and wellbeing issues than general population. Distinct profiles of wellbeing were apparent for performance-orientated students. Results are in line with Self Determination Theory and suggest the need for institutions to embed health and wellbeing into a 'living curriculum' to accommodate the needs of different student groups. The WHO5 emerged as a parsimonious yet sensitive measure for mental health and wellbeing in student populations.

Keywords: Self Determination Theory (SDT); health; higher education; student; wellbeing.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Results for between group analysis of the 10 item personality inventory (TIPI). Significance level p < 0.003, denoted *. Error bars represent standard error. TIPI is scored on a 7 point Likert scale, factors are scored summatively (two items each factor).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Within music course type differences for the environmental mastery factor of the psychological wellbeing scale. Significance level denoted as: *p < 0.005. Error bars represent standard error.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Within music course type differences for the self-acceptance factor of the psychological wellbeing scale. Significance levels denoted as: **p < 0.001, *p < 0.01. Error bars represent standard error.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Within music course type differences for the Warwick–Edinburgh Wellbeing Scale. Significance level denoted as: *p < 0.005. Error bars represent standard error.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Within music performance type differences for the TIPI personality factor, openness to experience. Significance level denoted as: *p < 0.001. Error bars represent standard error.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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