The Estimated Effects of College Student Involvement on Psychological Well-Being

• In Event: 14.045 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 14.045-7 - Getting Involved: Student Engagement and Outcomes for Diverse Communities

Abstract

This study utilizes data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education (WNS) – a longitudinal, pretest/posttest design study – to examine the estimated effects of student leadership on psychological well-being. The study specifically examines – orientation leader, resident assistant, peer educator in a non-academic setting, and intramural sports involvement – while also controlling for a variety of precollege and college-level covariates. Findings suggest that student involvement over four years of college may in fact have a positive effect on psychological well-being at the end of the fourth year.

Authors

• Cindy Ann Kilgo, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Amanda L. Mollet, University of Iowa

• Ernest T. Pascarella, University of Iowa