Nurturing Student Well-Being in the Modern World

Book excerpt: Students face many challenges beyond the traditional academic realm in modern education. The relentless pursuit of academic excellence, coupled with societal expectations, has inadvertently created an environment that often overlooks the holistic well-being of students. The book, Nurturing Student Well-Being in the Modern World, begins the reader’s journey by providing an understanding of the foundations of student well-being, offering a panoramic view of the complex factors at play. It then takes them into the transformative role of positive psychology in promoting well-being, before tackling specific dimensions such as physical health, mental health, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships. This book systematically addresses critical issues affecting students, from the impact of stress on student well-being to the crucial connection between sleep and academic performance. It courageously confronts bullying, digital well-being challenges, and the delicate balance between academic pressure and personal development. The book also spotlights the critical need for fostering resilience in the face of adversity, drawing lessons from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It also underscores the importance of self-compassion and student voices in shaping well-being initiatives. The final chapters extend the conversation to higher education, emphasizing the pivotal role of institutions in promoting student well-being beyond the K-12 years. This book is ideal for educators, parents, students, and policymakers to collaborate in creating nurturing environments that cultivate resilient, thriving, and successful individuals.