Communication Center Journal - Vol. 8 - No. 1 - 2022 - Centering Well-Being: Focusing on Authentic Experiences and Stories

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Jiven

Communication Center Journal addresses how universities can prioritize wellness and wellbeing during heightened pressures from the ongoing COVID pandemic, political discord, and economic uncertainty. The article argues that communication centers can serve as empowering, safe spaces that validate marginalized voices while supporting multiple dimensions of wellness. Using the “8 Dimensions of Wellness” framework, it connects communication-center practices to emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, and physical wellbeing through inclusion, training, reflection, mindfulness, and breathing strategies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time12 min

AccessFree to download

Dimensions of Wellness and Wellbeing

Defining Wellness and Well-Being

Centering Well-Being Through Communication Centers

Emotional and Social Dimensions

Spiritual Dimension

Intellectual Dimension

Physical Dimension

Communication Center Journal 18 Vol. 8, No. 1, 2022 Centering Well-Being: Focusing on Authentic Experiences and Stories Suzy Prentiss University of Central Florida As we emerge from the worst of the still present COVID pandemic amid mounting political discord and economic uncertainty, our academic community, including students, faculty, and staff, are facing more pressures while experiencing increased stressors (National Communication Association, 2020) . Prioritizing wellness and wellbeing is absolutely necessary for all schools, regardless of size or classification, and our Communication Centers are uniquely positioned to serve their campus in impactful and meaningful ways. Capitalizing on what we do best, crafting safe and empowering spaces that see the authenticity of each and every individual, we can lead by example and harness training and collaboration efforts to promote wellness and wellbeing across campus. Evolving beyond our role as a microcosm of the campus community, Communication Centers can and should develop into aspirational spaces where our authentic experiences and stories are curated, supported, and cherished. These spaces, with their visibility and intentionality, will undoubtedly support wellness and wellbeing throughout campus, especially among nontraditional and/or marginalized populations. Dimensions of Wellness and Wellbeing Wellbeing and wellness are multidimensional constructs often used interchangeably yet defined individually based upon our evolving needs and shifting situations. Despite the variability, however, there are some common threads and considerations. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes there is noone clear definition of wellbeing yet offers “well-being can be described as judging life positively and feeling good,”([https://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing](https://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing). htm) . According to Dr. Debbie Stoewen (2017),“Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit,” (p. 861) . In essence, wellness is how we want to live a full and authentic life. Universities, colleges, and companies are placing increased emphasis on wellness in response to rising mental health concerns amid the pandemic and to foster a more positive, productive and successful climate for students and employees. According to the Center for Health Education and Wellness at The University of Tennessee (UT), there are “8 Dimensions of Wellness,” ([https://wellness.utk.edu/dimensions](https://wellness.utk.edu/dimensions)of-wellness/): emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social. Communication Center Journal 19 Vol. 8, No. 1, 2022 Figure 1. 8 Dimensions of Wellness, Center for Health Education and Wellness at The University of Tennessee Using this framework, let’s explore how a Communication Center might positively impact the “8 Dimensions of Wellness” identified by UT. First, by crafting a safe and supportive space for all, including those with high levels of speech anxiety, mental health challenges, neurodivergence, disability, firstgeneration college student, non-native speakers, LGBTQ, and other nontraditional and/or marginalized individuals, in a myriad of ways Communication Centers support the Emotional and Social dimensions of wellness (Carpenter & Apostel, 2012; Cuny et al. , 2012; Pensoneau-Conway & Romerhausen, 2021; Prentiss, 2021; Stewart et al. , 2021; Yook & Sayre, 2012) . The power of visibility is strong and has been “an act of privilege,”(Michelson, 2019) . When the campus community sees their faces and experiences reflected in the clients and consultants of our centers, they feel validated and respected. Those with the privilege of visibility can easily share that with others, empowering those who have felt marginalized, discounted, and invisible. In some ways, that can also connect with the

FAQs

Why does the article emphasize wellness and wellbeing for schools and universities?

It links increasing stressors during the COVID pandemic, political discord, and economic uncertainty to the need for wellness across campuses, regardless of institution size or classification.

How do communication centers support the emotional and social dimensions of wellness?

By creating safe, supportive spaces for diverse students and by leveraging the power of visibility so clients and consultants reflect learners’ faces and experiences, fostering validation and respect.

What strategies does the article suggest for supporting spiritual and intellectual wellbeing?

For spiritual wellbeing, it highlights reflection, yoga or mindfulness, and targeted/diaphragmatic breathing. For intellectual wellbeing, it encourages authentic expression and audience analysis, such as helping STEM students translate research insights into public speaking contexts.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Jiven