Aims: To identify whether a well-being program effectively augments Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments, and Vitality (PERMA-V). The second aim was to identify narrative accounts of their  experiences and perspectives implementing PERMA-V.

Method: Twenty-eight students participated in Be Well NOW in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022.  A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. Focus was on learning PERMA-V strategies to thrive. Students completed pre and post quantitative questionnaires and qualitative open-ended questions.

Results: Sixty-seven percent of the students either “strongly agreed”  or “agreed” the program increased their campus engagement, while 75% “strongly agreed” or “agreed” time management skills improved. Students' social well-being (92%) and sense of belonging (92.8%) were increased. Moreover, 71.4% of students “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the program supported them in overcoming daily stressors. Three themes from the qualitative data were College Experience, Well-Being Tools, and Wellness Journey. The subcategories emerged as (a) sense of belonging, (b) establishing new friendships, (c) adaptability, (d) journaling, (e) pomodoro technique, (f) time management, (g) meditation, (h) flourishing, (i) self-confidence, (j) openness, (k) mindfulness, and (l) balanced living. 

Conclusion: College students agree that positive psychology was beneficial in enhancing positive emotions, engagement, relationships, academic achievement, and vitality.