Overloaded and overlooked: Improving resident advisors' self-care

Area of Science:

• Student Affairs
• Higher Education
• Psychology

Background:

• The resident advisor (RA) role in university housing is demanding, often leading to burnout.
• Limited research exists on RA self-care practices and effective interventions.
• Live-in housing staff require strategies to manage stress and improve well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the deficit in research concerning resident advisor (RA) self-care.
• To explore the application of behavioral interventions in housing programs for RA self-care enhancement.
• To advocate for the integration of self-care education and support for RAs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on RA roles, burnout, and self-care behavioral interventions.
• Discussion of behavioral intervention strategies applicable to housing programs.
• Analysis of the impact of demands on RA psychological well-being.

Main Results:

• The current body of research inadequately addresses RA self-care needs.
• Behavioral interventions offer a viable framework for improving RA self-care.
• Targeting problem behaviors can enhance RA health and prevent distress.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for more research on RA self-care.
• Housing programs should implement behavioral interventions to support RA well-being.
• Proactive self-care strategies are essential for preventing burnout and psychological distress in RAs.