At the end of the 2020 spring semester in which the onset of COVID had already occurred, a questionnaire was created to identify student’s reactions. Items included measurements of student’s confidence in the response of the state and federal government to the pandemic. Additionally, the survey measured the hopefulness of students that the pandemic would be resolved, the positive or negative outlook students had for their future, the effect the pandemic has had on their life, and if the student has had someone in their life who has been sick or died due to COVID.

COVID-19 on College Student Mental Health and Wellness: COVID Survey

In the beginning of the fall semester as well as the beginning and end of the spring semester, students responded to a survey largely based on the Brief Problem Monitor which includes 18 items measuring internalization, externalizing problems, and the attention of those between the ages of 18 to 59. 

COVID-19 on College Student Mental Health and Wellness: In-Depth Assessments

Each participant completed nightly surveys (open from 7 to 11:59 pm) through an app during the school year. In this survey, students reported whether or not (0= no; 1= yes) they practiced certain behaviors relating to their health and wellness in the day. Out of 21 items, spring semester responses to 5 items relating to wellness (amount of exercise, screen time, meal nutrition, amount of sleep, amount of water) and 2 mood items (mood and stress) were the main focus of this particular study. The numbered responses were then added.

COVID-19 on College Student Mental Health and Wellness: Ecological Momentary Assessments

- COVID Survey

- In-Depth Assessments

- Ecological Momentary Assessments

Michigan State University

The University of Vermont was conducting a study on student emotional health and wellness prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. This allowed for an investigation in which comparisons could be made between students’ mental health and wellness prior to and after COVID’s onset. The findings of this study suggest the COVID pandemic has an impact on student mood and wellness.

Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on College Student Mental Health and Wellness; Vermont, United States

Copeland WE, McGinnis E, Bai Y, Adams Z, Nardone H, Devadanam V, Rettew J, Hudziak JJ. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on College Student Mental Health and Wellness. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2021 Jan;60(1):134-141.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.08.466. Epub 2020 Oct 19. PMID: 33091568.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on College Student Mental Health and Wellness Reference

COVID-19 on College Student Mental Health and Wellness: Assessment Details

The University of Vermont was already conducting an ongoing study on emotional health and wellness. To investigate COVID’s impact on student’s mental health, a smaller sample of students were selected from the larger study. Eligible participants were full time undergraduate first year students between the ages of 18 and 25. For app compatibility, these participants also needed to have an iPhone 5 or newer. 675 students took a full behavior and emotion assessment at the start of the 2020 spring semester. 576 of these students also took the assessment at the end of the semester in which COVID’s onset had already occurred. 600 students also took a survey in which they answered at least one item, and 485 students regularly answered nightly surveys relating to mood and wellness behaviors throughout the semester (both before and after COVID’s onset). 67% on these students were also members of the university’s Wellness Environment program which supports healthy behaviors and student’s transition to college. In this program, students are not allowed to have alcohol or drugs in their dorms.

COVID-19 on College Student Mental Health and Wellness: Sample

•COVID Survey Results

•Changes in Emotional and Behavioral Functioning

•Changes in Daily Mood, Stress, and Wellness


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