COVID-19 exposure, mental health, and self-reported academic outcomes in undergraduates during the spring 2020 lockdown

Julie M. Petersen; Janice Snow; Lindsey Stone; Crissa Levin

doi:10.1521/bumc.2023.87.4.343

COVID-19 exposure, mental health, and self-reported academic outcomes in undergraduates during the spring 2020 lockdown

Julie M. Petersen, Janice Snow, Lindsey Stone, Crissa Levin

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The present study explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduates, mental health distress, and changes in self-estimated grades during the start of the pandemic. A national sample of undergraduate students (N = 197) participated in an online survey during spring 2020. Undergraduate students were recruited for a survey during the initial lockdown in April–May 2020. Higher depressive symptoms, general anxiety, and academic distress were associated with significantly lower self-estimated grades. Perceived grade declines were also correlated with higher financial concerns and risk for COVID-19 complications or infection. These results suggest that COVID-19 and the resulting modifications to education impacted undergraduate achievement and mental health. It is imperative for colleges and universities to provide additional support for students and their mental health.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	343-357
Number of pages	15
Journal	Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
Volume	87
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1521/bumc.2023.87.4.343
State	Published - Dec 1 2023

Scopus Subject Areas

General Medicine

Keywords

academic distress
COVID-19
mental health
undergraduates

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1521/bumc.2023.87.4.343

Cite this

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abstract = "The present study explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduates, mental health distress, and changes in self-estimated grades during the start of the pandemic. A national sample of undergraduate students (N = 197) participated in an online survey during spring 2020. Undergraduate students were recruited for a survey during the initial lockdown in April–May 2020. Higher depressive symptoms, general anxiety, and academic distress were associated with significantly lower self-estimated grades. Perceived grade declines were also correlated with higher financial concerns and risk for COVID-19 complications or infection. These results suggest that COVID-19 and the resulting modifications to education impacted undergraduate achievement and mental health. It is imperative for colleges and universities to provide additional support for students and their mental health.",

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AB - The present study explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduates, mental health distress, and changes in self-estimated grades during the start of the pandemic. A national sample of undergraduate students (N = 197) participated in an online survey during spring 2020. Undergraduate students were recruited for a survey during the initial lockdown in April–May 2020. Higher depressive symptoms, general anxiety, and academic distress were associated with significantly lower self-estimated grades. Perceived grade declines were also correlated with higher financial concerns and risk for COVID-19 complications or infection. These results suggest that COVID-19 and the resulting modifications to education impacted undergraduate achievement and mental health. It is imperative for colleges and universities to provide additional support for students and their mental health.

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COVID-19 exposure, mental health, and self-reported academic outcomes in undergraduates during the spring 2020 lockdown

Abstract

Scopus Subject Areas

Keywords

UN SDGs

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