Promoting Adaptive Coping Skills and Subjective Well-Being through Credit-Based Leisure Education Courses

This qualitative study addresses the need for campus-based programming that allows students to practice adaptive coping skills and increase well-being. Eight focus groups and seven individual interviews were conducted with students participating in credit-based leisure education courses to understand self-reported health-related motivations and outcomes. Findings suggested students experienced five psychological mechanisms supporting well-being: autonomy, detachment, mastery, meaning, and affiliation. Programmatic and instructional-based insights for student affairs professionals in health, counseling, and recreation are provided.