A network approach to understanding distance learners’ experience of stress and mental distress whilst studying
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Published:2023-05-15
Issue:1
Volume:20
Page:
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ISSN:2365-9440
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Container-title:International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Int J Educ Technol High Educ
Author:
Samra RajvinderORCID, França Alex BacadiniORCID, Lucassen Mathijs F. G.ORCID, Waterhouse PhilippaORCID
Abstract
AbstractResearch has shown that learners’ stress and mental distress are linked to poorer academic outcomes. A better understanding of stress and mental distress experiences during study could foster more nuanced course and intervention design which additionally teaches learners how to navigate through to protect their academic performance. The current study draws on data collected via validated self-reported questionnaires completed by final year undergraduate students (n = 318) at a large distance education university. We examined how common features of stress, depression and anxiety link to each other using a network analysis of reported symptoms. The results included findings demonstrating the symptoms with the greatest relative importance to the network. Specifically, these included the stress symptom ‘I found it difficult to relax’ and the depression symptom ‘I was unable to become enthusiastic about anything’. The findings could help institutions design interventions that directly correspond to common features of students’ stress and distress experiences.
Funder
The Open University PRAXIS fund
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Computer Science Applications,Education
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