Lisa Kiltz Develops Board Game to Improve Student Wellbeing

PhD student Lisa Kiltz investigates student wellbeing and, based on her findings, developed a board game for students and teachers. On June 20, she will defend her dissertation at the Academy Building.

Student wellbeing is under pressure. According to the Trimbos Institute, as many as 44% of students suffered from anxiety and depression in 2023, and about 56% experienced (very) high stress levels. Lisa Kiltz, a PhD student at the teacher training program, sees a similar picture in her research. “In our sample, 70% score so low that, according to the WHO definition, they should be screened for depression. Even before Covid, students were struggling, and the pandemic only made it worse. This is especially true for students compared to non-students.”

Positive Side

In her dissertation, Kiltz investigates what opportunities educational institutions have to improve student wellbeing. She conducted interviews with students, teachers, and support staff such as study advisors and psychologists. “Wellbeing is a broad concept. Most research focuses on the negative side: it is often seen as the absence of issues like depression. In my research, I look at multiple facets of wellbeing and particularly at positive outcomes, such as positive emotions and resilience.”

Ivory Tower

On June 20, 2024, Kiltz will defend her dissertation. She believes it is important that the findings of her doctoral research are shared not only in scientific journals but also with a wider audience. “We researchers often find ourselves in that infamous ivory tower. We use complex academic language, and our publications are often behind a paywall. This is unfortunate, especially since psychological research is so important for society.”

Creative Approach

To make her dissertation more accessible, Kiltz uses many cartoons that she draws herself. Each chapter of her dissertation is summarized with illustrations. “I have been drawing since I was young, especially manga and anime. During Covid, I started drawing digitally. I created comic strips explaining the differences between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychiatrist, which I posted on Instagram.”

Board Game

Additionally, Kiltz developed a board game that encourages students and teachers to reflect and engage in dialogue. The game is available for free download and is also printed on a fold-out flap in her dissertation. So, anyone who has the dissertation also has the game. “It is quantitatively difficult to prove whether the game—which, by the way, does not yet have a name—really 'works,' but based on my research, I see that it certainly has potential. It provides a language for what wellbeing means for students and teachers, promotes conversation, and fosters a sense of connectedness.”

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