Improving Flourishing Through Utilization of Group Dynamics and Lifestyle Education: A Case Study.

Abstract

Healthcare workers show higher rates of burnout and lower rates of flourishing (overall well-being). Many interventions target healthcare workers already in the field or graduate students. This group-dynamics based intervention targeted undergraduate healthcare students to promote flourishing. The intervention targeted physical activity, mindfulness, nutrition, and self-care as foundational ways to support overall flourishing. Participants were recruited from an undergraduate population to attend 4 educational and activity sessions. Surveys were completed pre-, post- and 6-months post intervention. Surveys included the validated Standford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item (L-Cat) to measure physical activity, the Short Healthy Eating Index Survey (sHEI) to measure healthy eating, and Secure Flourishing Index (SFI) to measure flourishing. During the 4 weekly intervention meetings, participants learned about ways to promote health and flourishing and participated in hands-on activities and active discussions. There was no statistical improvement in physical activity or healthy eating, but flourishing was statistically improved post-intervention (P < .001). Additional participant feedback noted enjoying the group, improved cooking skills, and learning new mindfulness skills. Limitations to this case study include the small participant group size (n = 8). More research is needed on group-dynamics interventions to promote flourishing in larger and more diverse college groups.