Facilitators and outcomes of student engagement in a college setting.
The authors examined intensely engaging (i.e., flow) experiences in the context of college coursework to gain a better understanding of their antecedents and outcomes. College students (N=137) completed a Web-based survey that assessed (a) flow experiences; (b) academic work characteristics including role clarity, professor support for autonomy, and feedback; and (c) psychological and physical health. The authors found that flow completely mediated the relation between academic work characteristics and psychological well-being. They also found that flow had an indirect effect through psychological well-being on physical health. These findings suggest restructuring academic work to be clear and autonomous and giving ample feedback opportunities to facilitate intense student engagement and mental and physical wellness.
Steele
John P
JP
Department of Psychology, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA johnpaulsteele@gmail.com
Fullagar
Clive J
CJ
D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012919:Social Behavior; D012932:Social Facilitation; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult