Affiliation:
1. Department of Psychology University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Minneapolis Minnesota USA
2. Department of Psychology Denison University Granville Ohio USA
3. Combined Program in Education and Psychology University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
Abstract
AbstractBackground and AimsThe COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of college students, leading to increased psychological distress. This study explored potenital predictors to better understand the factors that influence and mitigate student COVID‐19 stress in the evolving landscape of residential colleges. Specifically, we investigated the roles of COVID‐19 fear, loneliness, and attitudes toward COVID‐19 restrictions.MethodsEmploying a longitudinal online survey design, we collected data over the fall 2020 semester from 122 first‐year college students enrolled in a small mid‐west liberal arts college. Participants completed the same survey three times: Wave 1 in August, Wave 2 in October, and Wave 3 in November.ResultsFear of COVID‐19 (Time 1) was a significant predictor of increased COVID‐19 related stress at both Time 2 and Time 3. Interestingly, loneliness (Time 1) moderated the effect of fear of COVID‐19 (Time 1) on attitudes toward COVID‐19 restrictions at Time 2. Moreover, students' negative attitudes toward COVID‐19 restrictions and feelings of loneliness increased over the course of the semester.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that college students’ wellbeing in the context of COVID‐19 stress is influenced by a complex interplay of perceptions of COVID‐19 (stress, fear, attitudes) and feelings of social isolation (loneliness). Further research in this area is crucial to provide targeted support and interventions to promote students’ mental health.
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