Empowering the Next Generation: A Holistic Self-Care Course for Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Students

Authors

  • Rita Cola Carroll Drexel University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3580-5872
  • Jackie Murphy Drexel University
  • Melanie Henderson Drexel University
  • Dixie Schexnaildre Drexel University
  • Donna Fahey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v30i2.4865

Keywords:

academic pressures, holistic self-care, stress management, resilience, mental health, college students

Abstract

College students experience stressors that can impact grades, relationships, and health. When students participate in structured education in self-care techniques, they can build resilience and effective coping strategies. An undergraduate online elective in holistic self-care was developed to promote student resilience and stress management. Initial post-course evaluations sparked an investigation of the student experience with a mixed methods study. The findings documented the benefits of the course, the inverse relationship between stress and resilience, and the perceived value of holistic self-care techniques. These skills helped students better manage stress and build resilience during the college experience, and potentially beyond.

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Published

2026-06-01

How to Cite

Cola Carroll, R., Murphy, J., Henderson, M., Schexnaildre, D., & Fahey, D. (2026). Empowering the Next Generation: A Holistic Self-Care Course for Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Students. Online Learning, 30(2), 581–602. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v30i2.4865

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 2 (2026): Online Learning

Section

Section II

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Rita Cola Carroll, Jackie Murphy, Melanie Henderson, Dixie Schexnaildre, Donna Fahey

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