ERIC Number: ED637228
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 226
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3801-0682-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Urban Community College Campus Green Space: Supporting Student Mental Well-Being
Cecilia Cruz
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, California State University, Los Angeles
Community college students represent a large percentage of U.S. undergraduates. In California, most of these students are low-income Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. However, despite the size of this student population, the mental health challenges these students face, and a need for alternatives to current campus mental health services, few studies have explored green space at community colleges. This multimethod study explored community college students' experiences with existing campus green spaces and the self-reported effects of campus green spaces on their mental well-being. Students at two Los Angeles-area community colleges participated in a modified photovoice activity and a 5-minute green space micro-break. Findings from this study revealed modest community college campus green spaces can have positive effects on community college students. Recommendations for practice include expanding beyond Western views of student mental health support. Campus green space can be a more accessible and less stigmatizing resource than traditional therapy for students to manage daily stress. Also, available campus green space can be leveraged to strengthen feelings of belonging in a student population with the least developed sense of belonging. In addition, campus green space can be used to support academic self-efficacy and motivation in community college students who have been the most impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Because the same populations who experience inequities in mental health, education, and access to green space also tend to attend community colleges, implementing these recommendations can promote student equity. This dissertation includes practical implementation strategies for professionals in community college settings. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Community College Students, Community Colleges, Urban Schools, Space Utilization, Sustainable Development, Ecology, Sustainability, Recreational Activities, Well Being, Group Membership, Interpersonal Relationship, Self Efficacy, Academic Achievement, Motivation, COVID-19, Pandemics
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A