Introduction
University students' psycho-physical well-being is an increasingly relevant issue due to rising psychological distress and adaptation difficulties. The MOEBIUS 2 project (funded through Pro-ben-2 by the Italian Ministry of University and Research) promotes healthy lifestyles through an integrated model of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, combining psychological support, social participation, and artistic and sport-based activities within a multi-university Italian partnership.
Objectives
The project aims to assess students' needs, implement multilevel preventive interventions, promote well-being and healthy lifestyles, and systematically evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Methods
The project is structured into six Work Packages (WP). WP1 involves a longitudinal analysis of university students' needs through survey-based assessment. WP2 focuses on primary prevention interventions, including psychoeducational group trainings; within this framework, the University of Enna Kore has implemented two experiential group programs (UniWell and Next Step Together), designed to promote psycho-physical well-being and reduce psychological distress among students, as well as a physical activity program (Fitness for Wellness). WP3 is dedicated to strengthening psychological counselling services and to the development of standardised protocols for assessment and monitoring. WP4 addresses tertiary prevention by defining structured referral pathways to territorial services for students presenting with more severe levels of distress. WP5 includes seminars and sensitisation activities addressed to the academic community. Finally, WP6 focuses on qualitative monitoring of the project through focus groups to capture participants' experiences and perceptions.
Results
Expected outcomes include improved psychosocial well-being, reduced stress and risky behaviours, increased student engagement and sense of belonging, and strengthened psychological support systems and community networks.
Limitations
Main challenges concern the complexity of coordination across institutions, standardisation of procedures, and variability in intervention delivery and outcome assessment.
Discussion
MOEBIUS 2 highlights the effectiveness of an integrated, multi-level approach to university well-being, emphasising the synergy between psychoeducational, physical, counselling, and preventive interventions, and the importance of collaboration across universities and local communities.