the science behind engaging the modern college student
TRANSCRIPT
The Science Behind Engaging The Modern College Student With strategies on how to better communicate with students!
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Let’s talk about this.
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More specifically, some of the chemicals that exist in
your brain.
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Like oxytocin.
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Like oxytocin. And cortisol.
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What exactly is oxytocin?
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Oxytocin is a chemical in the brain that causes us to feel joy & pleasure. We tend to trust others more and create tight social bonds when oxytocin is present.
Oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide that is sometimes called the “cuddle chemical” or “love drug”
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It’s more commonly known as the hormone that increases when we receive attention from a mate.
Cortisol is hormone that is produced as a response to fear or stress : both eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress).
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Students can easily feel left out of a campus community.
-Margaret Duffy, University of Missouri
“We need to look at social media as a tool for building supportive relationships: a
place for sympathy, encouragement and connection.”
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Can social media increase students oxytocin levels?
Yes. Double taps, likes, and favorites all cause this chemical to increase in your brain.
Sad or moving social media posts also release oxytocin, which makes us feel protected and helps us empathize with other people.
Simple ways student affairs professionals can help!
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Incorporate positive content into your social media strategy.
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Incorporate positive content into your social media strategy.
Like this cute picture of Wall-e
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Or this kitten therapy video.
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Research shows that watching things like videos of cats not only increases our oxytocin levels but also improves our mood and attention to detail.
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Research shows that watching things like videos of cats not only increases our oxytocin levels but also improves our mood and attention to detail.Things like drinking more water, dancing, and singing does this too.
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Research shows that watching things like videos of cats not only increases our oxytocin levels but also improves our mood and attention to detail.Things like drinking more water, dancing, and singing does this too.
We prefer cat videos.
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Bring therapy animals to campus
more often.
According to research from Georgia State, Idaho State, Savannah College of Art and Design, animal-assisted therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and loneliness among college students by
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Volunteer with students.
Volunteering and other caring behaviors stimulate oxytocin. The effects of the hormone serve as a link between volunteering and increased well-being, health, and longevity.
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Oxytocin Well-being Mattering
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Oxytocin Well-being Mattering
Schlossberg approves.
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Give more hugs!
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Give more hugs!
Make sure your students feel comfortable first.
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Neuroscientists suggest colleges and universities increase communication with students to boost oxytocin.
Increase Communication
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“If you make them [students] feel part of a social network, oxytocin
levels will increase.”
- Neal Raisman, The Power of Retention
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Asking students thoughts on various matters your institution may be facing. Inviting them to be involved with a campus task force meeting. Communicating when you’ll be in the dining hall or local coffee shop to share tea or coffee and listen about student life.
Neuroscientists suggest:
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Engage with students in new and creative ways to promote overall well-being. Find your voice on social media and post meaningful content – connect with students! Think about what makes your students happy – whether it be playing with dogs, watching kitten videos, volunteerism, or hugs.
Stay Connected
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Check out these other blog posts!
How to Pull Off a Kickass Event
Things You Don’t Know About Your Event Attendees
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Learn more about student engagement
www.checkimhere.com
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References
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Krieglstein, T. Personal communication. Patterson, O. (2015). Research shows puppy play alleviates stress. thebluebanner.net/research-shows-puppy-play-alleviates-stress Raisman, N. (2010) Great service matters. academicmaps.blogspot.com/2010/08/customer-service-retention-and-oxytocin.html Schroeder, D. (2015). The Oxford handbook of prosocial behavior.