Critique Paper 2

Article Critique

            The journal article titled “Use of Body-Mind-Spirit Dimensions for the Development of a Wellness Behavior and Characteristic Inventory for College Students” focuses on creating a cost-effective, useful, and efficient wellness inventory to describe specific behaviors and characteristics related to the body, mind, and spirit dimensions of college students. This wellness inventory aims to assess all wellness-related behaviors and characteristics, providing insights into their overall wellness condition and health-risk behaviors. The article presents a two-part study conducted to generate and identify wellness statements based on the college students’ behaviors and characteristics.

            Upon reviewing the article and the study’s methodology, it became evident that the two-part study offers valuable and reliable insights into the wellness and health-risk behaviors of college students. However, it should be noted that the wellness inventory lacks essential data and information on the mental and spiritual dimensions, necessitating further assessment. To better address the wellness needs of students, the study should propose new and more effective approaches for improving health behaviors.

            The overall success of the journal study lies in achieving its primary objective: generating and identifying wellness statements based on the behaviors and characteristics of college students. Additionally, the authors successfully developed reliable and fact-based wellness inventories that comprehensively capture students’ wellness condition and health-risk behaviors. The applicable wellness behavior and characteristic inventory were based on an item pool obtained directly from college students themselves, with a particular focus on their body, mind, and spirit dimensions. The inventory’s accuracy and reliability were bolstered by conducting a focus group discussion to generate statements and insights, followed by expert panel scrutiny in finalizing the items placed in each dimension.

            Another strength of the study was the use of a pilot instrument to discard less important items, reducing the number from 95 to a more manageable amount. Furthermore, in Study 2, the authors conducted essential tests for criterion and construct validity using the final Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Behavior and Characteristic Inventory (BMS-WBCI), demonstrating the study’s robustness. However, the study’s limitation lies in the small number of participants (141 college students) involved in the convenience sampling. The authors attributed this to funding limitations for instrument purchasing, but a larger and more diverse sample would strengthen the research’s findings. Additionally, the study could benefit from a more refined means of data collection.

            Regarding the methodology, the authors conducted three scales of construct and criterion validity assessment for the BMS-WBCI, which solidified its reliability as a research instrument. With internal consistencies ranging from .73 to .86, the instrument proved stable enough to assess the critical dimensions of college students. One notable drawback was the absence of a comprehensive literature review. It should not only emphasize the importance of evaluating college students’ wellness condition and health-risk behaviors but also identify the factors significantly affecting their wellness. Nevertheless, the study was laudable in clearly stating and identifying its research objectives and purpose, which helped readers understand the study’s significance and the applicability of its research methodology. However, the authors should allocate a larger portion of the research to discuss proposed recommendations on addressing college students’ wellness condition and health-risk needs.

            Overall, the journal study succeeded in developing a comprehensive Wellness Behavior and Characteristic Inventory for College Students. The study’s strengths lie in its clear objectives, appropriate research methodology, and reliable research instrument. To enhance the study further, the authors should consider a more diverse research sample and a more thorough literature review. By doing so, they can provide more valuable insights and recommendations to address college students’ wellness and health-risk behaviors effectively.

Reference

Hey, W., Calderon, K., & Carroll, H. (2004). Use of body-mind-spirit dimensions for the development of a wellness behavior and characteristic inventory for college students. Health Promotion Practice, 1-9.