How Does an Engineering Student Take a Break? A Course-Based Exercise for Promoting Mental Wellness

Abstract

Mental wellness is a challenge for students studying in engineering programs. Engineering programs are often associated with high stress from the coursework and often cite a perceived culture that is inconducive towards relieving their stress. In recent years, mental wellness has been a rising topic on the minds of educators and legislators to learn how to better serve learning communities. Programs and initiatives are often offered but underutilized due to perceived barriers preventing students from reaching out for additional resources. Lack of accessibility, the fact that conversations about mental wellness are not normalized within the classroom, and the pressure to perform within the classroom are just some of the reasons students cite for not using campus resources. This study on a course-based activity aims to promote the discussion of mental wellness within an engineering course and promote the use of stress reduction strategies. The results reveal that students had a positive reaction to the activity being implemented in an engineering class and appreciated the discussion about mental wellness in engineering.Additionally, the study revealed information on many stressors faced by students in engineering programs. After the conclusion of the activity, over half of the students who participated in the study plan on implementing mental wellness strategies into their routines to manage their stress.