Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Foundations and Leadership

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The overarching question guiding this research study was, how does the use of university recreational sports facilities and resources impact reported wellness across the eight dimensions of wellness among undergraduate students? This study answered this question by examining literature, reviewing specific dimensions of wellness, and evaluating ways to determine if physical activity affects overall wellness for undergraduate students. According to the literature, approximately half of undergraduate students do not meet the daily recommendation for physical activity. Research suggests healthier students have greater retention rates, higher grade point averages (GPA), and demonstrate better mental health. To better support students’ needs, universities play a part in creating a conducive environment for reinforcing key tenants of student wellness as outlined in The Dimensions of Wellness, a wellness model developed by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick. Features of the eight Dimensions of Wellness guided the conceptual framework to further explore interactions between college campuses’ physical features and their impact on student habits. The study included surveying undergraduate students using a revised version of the New York State Bar Association’s Eight Pillars within the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, utilizing a variety of quantitative methods to explore data and explain various outcomes. Upon completion of the study, students who both visited recreational sports more often and participated in more physical activity per week than their peers, reported higher rates of overall wellness. Additionally, visiting recreational sports more each week resulted in positive trend lines for six out of the eight pillars, with significantly higher rates of wellness for the physical, financial, and occupational dimensions.

Date

14-1-2026

Committee Chair

Amanda Shuford Mayeaux

DOI

https://proquest.com/docview/3292774066

First Committee Member

Christopher L. Giroir

Second Committee Member

Ismatara Reena

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