University students' mental health and emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown.

Journal: South African journal of psychology = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir sielkunde

Volume: 51

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown had a profound effect on human life. This research explores the influence of COVID-19-related experiences on the emotional wellbeing and mental health of South African university students 3 months into the pandemic. Research data were obtained from an online survey completed by 5074 students. Students reported difficulties in coping with psychological challenges during the lockdown: 45.6% and 35.0% reported subjective experiences of anxiety and depression, respectively. Students scored low on the mental health continuum. Hierarchical stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that some different dimensions predicted emotional difficulties or wellbeing and mental health - confirming the two continuum theory of Keyes. Students' serious discomfort during lockdown, difficulty adjusting academically and feeling socially isolated contributed most to emotional difficulties. Females, students in their early years of study and students residing in informal settlements were most at risk of experiencing emotional difficulties. Mental health was most predicted by students' hopefulness. Social, academic, spiritual and physical wellbeing and positive coping strategies influenced both emotional difficulties and mental health. The research serves to alert university authorities to students' emotional wellbeing, especially of first-year students and students with limited resources. The results could assist university psychological services to provide appropriate support services to enhance students' adjustment and promote their mental health amid a public health crisis.

Authors & Co-authors:  Visser Maretha M Law-van Wyk Eloise E

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Albrecht N. (2014). Wellness: A conceptual framework for school-based mindfulness programs. International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society, 4(1), 21–26. 10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v04i01/41087
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1177/00812463211012219
SSN : 0081-2463
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
COVID-19;Keyes’ theory of mental health;South Africa;emotional wellbeing;mental health;student population
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
England