Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

0009-0005-1590-2335

Advisor

Benson, Jessica

Committee Member

McCubbins, OP

Committee Member

Morrison, Carley

Date of Degree

8-12-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 6 months

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Agricultural & Extension Education (Comminity & Extension Education)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

School of Human Sciences

Abstract

Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, this mixed-methods study examined student well-being within the university context by describing psychological well-being and exploring students’ perceptions of university support. Participants included 74 undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at a large public university in the southeastern United States. Quantitative data were collected using the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Qualitative data from open-ended survey responses were analyzed through inductive and deductive coding. Findings showed that personal growth and purpose in life had the highest mean Ryff scores, while environmental mastery and autonomy had the lowest. Students defined well-being as multidimensional, involving mental, physical, emotional, academic, and social factors. Academic workload was the most frequent stressor; social support was the strongest contributor to well-being, and students recommended improved mental health access and communication about resources.

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