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Published on: September 11, 2021
Prosocial behavior interventions implemented among undergraduate student populations: a scoping review
Danielle Bayne1,2, Katie J Shillington1,3,4
1Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Introduction:
Undergraduate students face a multitude of unique stressors which can affect their mental health and well-being. Finding ways to promote positive mental health among students is critical. Engagement in prosocial behavior is one way to buffer against such negative mental health outcomes.
Objectives:
The objective of this scoping review was to determine what is known from the literature regarding the use of prosocial behavior interventions for undergraduate students' mental health and well-being.
Methods:
Five databases were searched (i.e., MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL) and articles were screened independently and simultaneously by 2 researchers. Seven articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review.
Results:
Three main themes and two subthemes were identified: (1) Types of Prosocial Behaviors Employed; (2) Recipients of Prosocial Behavior; and (3) Study Design and Intervention Impact (subthemes: Intervention Design and The Impact of Prosocial Behavior Interventions on Health Outcomes).
Conclusions:
The findings underscore prosocial behavior as a potential strategy to promote positive health outcomes in undergraduate students.
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