A Radical Idea: Female Senior Student Affairs Officers and Personal Wellness

Abstract

The culture of the student affairs profession supports a commitment to the holistic development of students, often requiring staff to be available around the clock. A Senior Student Affairs Officer (SSAO) must be prepared to address the evolving demands of student life and such attentiveness can make it difficult to disconnect from work in order to find time and energy to practice self-care. Female SSAOs contend with the added pressure of societal gender norms which often place the onus of caring for others upon women. Previous research tells us that women SSAOs are more likely than male colleagues to experience stress which can lead to burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and exhaustion. This study reveals how female SSAOs address their wellness needs while attending to the constant demands of the student affairs profession and life beyond a professional career. Utilizing a narrative inquiry approach, this study used the qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews, photo elicitation, and post-interview reflections to explore the wellness strategies of 12 female SSAOs. Through a careful analysis of the data, four themes focused on strategies emerged from the voices of the female SSAOs - connections with others, physical activity, separation from work and campus, and mindfulness. The study also exposed notable thoughts on what supports and undermines the ability of these female SSAOs to implement self-care strategies. In addition, this narrative inquiry uncovered significant findings which impacted the participants’ wellness strategies including the COVID-19 pandemic, gender, and the nature of work in student affairs. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, as well as those for future research. Recommendations for female SSAOs, student affairs administrators, supervisors, and professional associations are also included.