Anxiety, Depression, Impulsivity, and Mindfulness among Higher Education Faculty during COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: In this paper, we examine the relationships among symptoms of anxiety and depression, impulsivity, and mindfulness among university faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a unique focus on whether these symptoms and practices of mindfulness differed with age, gender, ethnicity, and location. Methods: Participants (N = 302) from 2 universities completed online questionnaires pertaining to anxiety, depression, mindfulness, demographics, and impulsivity. Results: Lower mindfulness and greater impulsivity were associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. Gender differences emerged; female participants experienced greater anxiety, less mindfulness, and worsened eating and sleeping habits compared to males. Individuals with direct COVID-19 experience (self-and/or family) did not report significantly different levels of anxiety, depression, mindfulness, or impulsivity. Ethnicity differences also emerged; relative to white participants, non-white participants had significantly worsened exercise habits, and non- Latinx/Hispanic participants endorsed worsened alcohol and marijuana use than Latinx/Hispanic participants. Finally, participants who reported having at least one mental health diagnosis (N = 41) reported significantly higher anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and marijuana use, lower levels of mindfulness, and worsened eating habits. Conclusions: The findings highlight the relationship between college faculty mental health and lifestyle habits, differences based on gender and ethnicity, and elucidate the ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.