WED-024 - Fostering Kindness: A Socioecological Approach to Cultivating Compassion in the University Classroom

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn about a new, innovative, and research-based course at Indiana University: “Cutting-Edge Kindness.” This course was designed to combat rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness on college campuses. It draws from the latest research in positive psychology and pedagogy to engage students using real-world applications.

Recognizing that kindness is cultivated at multiple levels, the course design was guided by the Social-Ecological Model and touches on individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. It helps students recognize their emotions, build communication skills, develop an understanding of civic responsibility, and hone important skills like empathy and conflict resolution, all of which are critical for a developing workforce. This course not only aims to make students more resilient, but also happier and kinder, using practical, hands-on tools to help manage stress, relationships, conflict, while contributing to society at large.

Detailed abstract description: There is a rising mental health crisis at universities today: 40% of students report that they’re too depressed to function; 60% are anxious; 80% are burnt out; and 10% of students seriously contemplate suicide (or have in the past). Our universities require innovative solutions to address emotional well-being and resilience, while simultaneously preparing students for academic and workforce success.

In response to this need, we designed “Cutting-Edge Kindness”: an evidence-based course for undergraduate students that aims to boost student well-being, while spreading kindness. Guided by the Social-Ecological Model, this course works from the inside out. That is, we start by teaching students about individual mental health and emotional well-being, before progressing to life skills and self-care. We then focus on community via positive relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. The course closes with several modules on societal engagement, altruism, and good citizenship.

Throughout the course, we ask students to independently journal and participate in peer discussions to encourage self-reflection and engagement with the material. However, the crux of this project-based course centers around the assignment to make an impact in their community. Students choose a topic that inspires them, whether that be increasing voter registration, raising awareness about sexual assault, or making campus more accessible for pet owners (all examples of projects successfully completed by our students). These projects not only help students apply their learned skills, but also cultivate a sense of purpose in the students, providing them with the self-efficacy to become engaged citizens.

The course has been very successful both online and in-person. (The third iteration of the course is ongoing.) All (100%) of students reported that they grew personally and would recommend the course to others. Nearly all (96%) of students stated that the class helped them grow professionally and academically. This is timely - as studies show that emotional intelligence and well-being are decreasing in today’s students. This course provides students with practical experience and social-emotional skills that potential employers highly value.

At this conference, we want to share our innovative approach to building kindness among our students. We have demonstrated measurable success in fostering well-being, empowering students, and creating demonstrable projects to improve our campus and community. We believe that this course can be a scalable model for other universities and we offer a practical solution to foster happier, more resilient, and kinder university students.