Introduction: Wellbeing is described in multiple ways in the literature and therefore continues to defy a simple definition. Phrases like wellness, psychological wellbeing, subjective wellbeing, and mental health are commonly used. Principles of Discourse Analysis were applied to the student wellbeing literature to deconstruct the language researchers used within their studies. The constructions and discourses identified were wellbeing as reckless behaviour, something that was linked to productivity, and something which could be ‘easily fixed’. The discourse of mental health was also dominant throughout most of the literature. The study explored how undergraduate students constructed wellbeing and what dominant discourses were being drawn on, as well as the consequences and implications of this.
Method: The study was a secondary analysis of a pedagogical wellbeing study which explored how to facilitate and develop student wellbeing in the curriculum at the University of Leeds. The data was analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis on six semi-structured interviews.
Results: Three dominant constructions were found which were connection with peers, success at university, and security in accommodation. These were located within several macro discourses some of which included community, human rights, achievement, family, and psychological safety. Students’ constructions and discourses allowed them to manage their personal agency and collective relationship with wellbeing differently. For some this elicited control and power over their circumstances, for others it created stuckness and disempowerment.
Discussion: The findings highlight the need for NHS and counselling services to continue to think holistically about student wellbeing and to remain cautious of labelling wellbeing as mental health. Also, for future researchers to be mindful of how they define and capture wellbeing, and whether the language they use reflects the students’ perspective, or whether it is influenced by their own constructions. Strengths and limitations were also considered as well as recommendations for future research.
