The Psychological and Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 on Students and Faculty
Disciplines
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Previous research has shown the negative impact that COVID-19 has on mental health and substance abuse among individuals. For example, one survey of undergraduates in New Jersey showed an overall increase in mental health issues since the start of the pandemic (Kecojevic et al., 2020). Currently, little research has been conducted regarding how the pandemic has affected overall mental health, particularly comparing students and faculty. The present study is designed to examine the mental health effects of COVID-19 in students and faculty. Questions within the survey are used to identify how COVID-19 has progressed or impacted mental health. Specifically, participants will be asked questions assessing depression, anxiety, sleep patterns, and substance use. In addition, participants will be asked to report their prevention behaviors (e.g., handwashing, social distancing). Students will be asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 on academic performance, and faculty will be asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 on their job performance. We hypothesize that both students and faculty will experience negative mental health effects as a result of COVID-19. We also anticipate that the differences between faculty and students will be moderated by demographic factors, such as parenting, socioeconomic status, and marital status. Studies reveal that the mental effects that occur as a result of a pandemic remain well after the outbreak is over. COVID-19 being the most recent outbreak gives us conclusive data within the current time. This information will allow us to have a better understanding on how the pandemic has caused disturbances regarding academics, mental health, and substance abuse issues. The data gathered from faculty and students will assist us in identifying effective ways for individuals to cope during a pandemic.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Amy Buddie
The Psychological and Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 on Students and Faculty
Previous research has shown the negative impact that COVID-19 has on mental health and substance abuse among individuals. For example, one survey of undergraduates in New Jersey showed an overall increase in mental health issues since the start of the pandemic (Kecojevic et al., 2020). Currently, little research has been conducted regarding how the pandemic has affected overall mental health, particularly comparing students and faculty. The present study is designed to examine the mental health effects of COVID-19 in students and faculty. Questions within the survey are used to identify how COVID-19 has progressed or impacted mental health. Specifically, participants will be asked questions assessing depression, anxiety, sleep patterns, and substance use. In addition, participants will be asked to report their prevention behaviors (e.g., handwashing, social distancing). Students will be asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 on academic performance, and faculty will be asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 on their job performance. We hypothesize that both students and faculty will experience negative mental health effects as a result of COVID-19. We also anticipate that the differences between faculty and students will be moderated by demographic factors, such as parenting, socioeconomic status, and marital status. Studies reveal that the mental effects that occur as a result of a pandemic remain well after the outbreak is over. COVID-19 being the most recent outbreak gives us conclusive data within the current time. This information will allow us to have a better understanding on how the pandemic has caused disturbances regarding academics, mental health, and substance abuse issues. The data gathered from faculty and students will assist us in identifying effective ways for individuals to cope during a pandemic.