Dr. Pascale drew on research from The Healthy Minds Study at the University of Michigan, which examines a wide range of factors that shape mental well-being, including academic performance, social engagement, institutional connection and access to resources. Her findings show that sorority women experience significantly lower rates of mental health challenges than their unaffiliated peers, though there is still important work to be done. Key takeaways from this study include: • Sorority women’s positive self-perceptions can be a catalyst for themselves and others. • The chapter facility can play an important role for mental health. • Engagement can be the antidote to loneliness (and sorority women are proof). • While sorority women have more positive mental health, some knowledge gaps exist for understanding and treatment — specifically that sorority women are less aware of resources available. Building on these insights, Alpha Phi continues to lead the way in mental health programming across all chapters. Guided by our High Ideals of Membership and strategic plan, the Fraternity has procured an impressive series of empowering programs designed to support the growth, education, health and well-being of its members, funded through Foundation grants. Alpha Phi combines the expertise of established industry leaders with innovative emerging companies to deliver cutting-edge experiences, made possible by the generosity of Alpha Phi Foundation donors. One such program, Behind Happy Faces, was created to help members and advisors identify and address mental health challenges in a collaborative way. Available online through LEARN Alpha Phi, this self-paced program can be accessed anytime by both collegians and advisors. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 600 members took advantage of this powerful resource. New in 2025, Revitalize is an in-person discussion group led by a member of Alpha Phi’s expertly trained League of Coaches. Members engage in thoughtful conversation about the challenges of college life and maintaining a healthy balance while learning practical tools to build resilience, mental fitness, well-being and emotional intelligence. In its first year, the Revitalize workshop was offered to more than two dozen chapters. Beta Upsilon-Oregon State was among the first chapters to participate, hosting coach Simi Patel (Eta Eta-Seton Hall) in April 2025. Beta Upsilon Chapter President Kylie Werth shared that members gave overwhelmingly positive feedback following the workshop. “We were extremely grateful to have Simi visit our chapter and lead us through what can be a very challenging topic to discuss in an
effective and engaging way. Being located in the Pacific Northwest, many of our members find winter term especially difficult in terms of motivation and mood with all the cold and rain. There was a lot of openness from members when sharing personal stories, and Simi made sure everyone felt comfortable and supported. I think the most valuable part of the discussion was when we shared the different ways we like to relax or focus — whether it’s going to the gym, taking walks or journaling — and she helped us recognize those activities we already enjoy as tools we can use in new, more beneficial ways.” Alpha Phi Fraternity leverages League of Coaches, LEARN and a variety of other platforms to offer members of all ages with educational workshops and programs. These resources are designed to be accessible to everyone, covering wellness topics such as alcohol safety, sexual violence awareness and hazing prevention, all contributing to the overall positive mental health and well-being of our sisters. Dr. Pascale’s report highlights that the structured engagement, strong social networks and supportive community at the heart of sorority life can serve as a powerful buffer against the mental health challenges many college students face. As we navigate an increasingly complex mental health landscape, the positive experiences found in sororities, particularly in organizations like
our beloved Alpha Phi that proactively take on these issues, offer meaningful insight and an encouraging path forward for supporting the well-being of all college women. Read Dr. Pascale’s full study at aphifdn.org/ffeasc.
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