Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Kristjen B. Lundberg
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between prior experiences, vicarious resilience, and psychological well-being of students enrolled in a community-based learning (CBL) course. Given that CBL has positive psychological benefits for students, I investigated the circumstances under which positive outcomes were more likely, specifically: To what extent does prior CBL-relevant experience improve students’ mental health outcomes as a result of a current CBL experience? The study consisted of N = 158 undergraduate students at the University of Richmond enrolled in a CBL course in Fall 2024. They completed self-reported measures of prior experiences, vicarious resilience, and psychological well-being. Results were analyzed using linear regressions which found a positive correlation between prior experiences and vicarious resilience (B = 0.56, p < .001) but no significant relationship between prior experiences and psychological well-being (B = 0.04, p = .59). These findings suggest that when students are familiar with CBL course-related content from prior experiences, they seem to enjoy greater benefits from it, particularly more vicarious resilience. They emphasize the importance of iterative learning and indicate that professors and institutions should consider designing their CBL courses to ensure that each student is prepared and able to reap the benefits of the course.
Recommended Citation
Fields, Madison, "Past Lessons, Present Strengths: Does Prior Experience Predict Greater Well-Being and Resilience Among Community-Based Learning Students?" (2025). Honors Theses. 1813.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1813
