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Geoffroy MC, Chadi N, Bouchard S, Fuoco J, Chartrand E, Loose T, Sciola A, Boruff JT, Iyer SN, Sun Y, Gouin JP, Côté SM, Thombs BD. Mental health of Canadian youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining changes in depression, anxiety, and suicide-related outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:408-424. [PMID: 38478216 PMCID: PMC11151894 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to describe Canadian youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms and suicidality. METHODS We searched four databases up to February 2023 for longitudinal or repeated cross-sectional studies reporting on changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms, suicidality, or related services utilization among young people under 25 years old residing in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for studies comparing depressive and anxiety symptoms from before to during the first, second, and third COVID-19 waves (up to June 2021), and between COVID-19 waves. Other studies were described narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. SYNTHESIS Of the 7916 records screened, 35 articles met inclusion criteria for this review. Included studies were highly heterogeneous in design, population, and type of change investigated, and many had a high risk of bias. The meta-analyses found that depressive symptoms worsened minimally from pre-pandemic to wave 1 but returned to pre-pandemic levels by wave 2. Anxiety symptoms were broadly comparable from pre-pandemic to waves 1 and 2 but worsened from waves 1 to 3 and from pre-pandemic to wave 1 for girls. The narrative review included several studies that provided inconclusive evidence of increases in services utilization. CONCLUSION The current evidence is limited and highly heterogeneous, making it insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the short- to medium-term impact of the pandemic on youth mental health in Canada. Obtaining better mental health surveillance among Canadian youth is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute/Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samantha Bouchard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julia Fuoco
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elise Chartrand
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tianna Loose
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anthony Sciola
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jill T Boruff
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Srividya N Iyer
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ying Sun
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sylvana M Côté
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brett D Thombs
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Dey P, De Souza LR. Public Health Challenges for Post-secondary Students During COVID-19: A Scoping Review. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024:2752535X241257561. [PMID: 38821889 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x241257561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research about public health impacts of COVID-19 on post-secondary students is slowly beginning to emerge. This scoping review identified common public health challenges among post-secondary students in higher-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five databases were searched to find relevant peer-reviewed literature up to March 2022. Results were categorized according to reported public health challenges and relevant socio-economic variables. After screening, 53 articles were reviewed. Most articles were from the USA (39/53). The seven main public health challenges identified were mental health (35/53), financial instability (25/53), physical health (13/53), food insecurity (12/53), social well-being (8/53), digital access (7/53), and housing or relocation (6/53). Students with low socioeconomic status experienced heightened public health challenges. This review offers insight and opportunities for the development of longitudinal tools to support social determinants of health in post-secondary populations in high-income countries and may offer insight into similar experiences for students in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Dey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leanne R De Souza
- University College, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Institute for Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto,Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kharroubi SA, Al-Akl N, Chamate SJ, Abou Omar T, Ballout R. Assessing the Relationship between Physical Health, Mental Health and Students' Success among Universities in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:597. [PMID: 38791811 PMCID: PMC11121208 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving high academic success is known to be influenced by many factors including, but not limiting to, physical and mental health. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between physical health, mental health, and university students' success, and to explore the associations between these factors and their academic achievement. METHODS A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was used to collect data from college students in three different universities in Lebanon during the Fall 2023 semester. Mental health was evaluated using validated screening tools for depression, anxiety, and stress, specifically the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), respectively. Additionally, general questions regarding physical health and lifestyle factors were incorporated into the questionnaire. Academic achievement was measured using students' grade point average (GPA). RESULTS A total of 261 students completed the self-administered online survey. The results revealed that approximately 42% and 36% of students were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively, and 75.1% of students exhibited symptoms of moderate stress. The majority of participants (99.2%) did not report any physical disability. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between mental health status (depression, anxiety, and stress) and GPA level (p = 0.03, p = 0.044, p = 0.015, respectively). Multiple logistic regression models identified eight correlates of GPA and highlighted the relationship between physical health and student success. For instance, students who considered themselves moderately active had lower odds of achieving a higher GPA than those who considered themselves active (OR = 0.41, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS This is the first investigation into Lebanese university students' academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental health profiles. The findings indicate that implementing public health programs and interventions targeting mental health and lifestyle behaviors is essential for enhancing student success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer A. Kharroubi
- Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (N.A.-A.); (S.-J.C.); (T.A.O.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon;
| | - Nayla Al-Akl
- Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (N.A.-A.); (S.-J.C.); (T.A.O.)
- Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Sarah-Joe Chamate
- Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (N.A.-A.); (S.-J.C.); (T.A.O.)
| | - Tarek Abou Omar
- Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (N.A.-A.); (S.-J.C.); (T.A.O.)
| | - Rouba Ballout
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon;
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Bradley AHM, Howard AL. Stress and Mood Associations With Smartphone Use in University Students: A 12-Week Longitudinal Study. Clin Psychol Sci 2023; 11:921-941. [PMID: 37694230 PMCID: PMC10491487 DOI: 10.1177/21677026221116889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study used device-logged screen-time records to measure week-to-week within-person associations between stress and smartphone use in undergraduate students (N = 187; mean age = 20.1 years). The study was conducted during fall 2020 and focused on differences across types of app used and whether accumulated screen use each week predicted end-of-week mood states. Participants uploaded weekly screenshots from their iPhone "Screen Time" settings display and completed surveys measuring stress, mood, and COVID-19 experiences. Results of multilevel models showed no week-to-week change in smartphone hours of use or device pickups. Higher stress levels were not concurrently associated with heavier smartphone use, either overall or by type of app. Heavier smartphone use in a given week did not predict end-of-week mood states, but students who tended to spend more time on their phones in general reported slightly worse moods-a between-persons effect potentially reflecting deficits in well-being that are present in students' off-line lives as well. Our findings contribute to a growing scholarly consensus that time spent on smartphones tells us little about young people's well-being.
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Newlove‐Delgado T, Russell AE, Mathews F, Cross L, Bryant E, Gudka R, Ukoumunne OC, Ford TJ. Annual Research Review: The impact of Covid-19 on psychopathology in children and young people worldwide: systematic review of studies with pre- and within-pandemic data. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:611-640. [PMID: 36421049 PMCID: PMC10952503 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high volume and pace of research has posed challenges to researchers, policymakers and practitioners wanting to understand the overall impact of the pandemic on children and young people's mental health. We aimed to search for and review the evidence from epidemiological studies to answer the question: how has mental health changed in the general population of children and young people? METHODS Four databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychINFO) were searched in October 2021, with searches updated in February 2022. We aimed to identify studies of children or adolescents with a mean age of 18 years or younger at baseline, that reported change on a validated mental health measure from prepandemic to during the pandemic. Abstracts and full texts were double-screened against inclusion criteria and quality assessed using a risk of bias tool. Studies were narratively synthesised, and meta-analyses were performed where studies were sufficiently similar. RESULTS 6917 records were identified, and 51 studies included in the review. Only four studies had a rating of high quality. Studies were highly diverse in terms of design, setting, timing in relation to the pandemic, population, length of follow-up and choice of measure. Methodological heterogeneity limited the potential to conduct meta-analyses across studies. Whilst the evidence suggested a slight deterioration on some measures, overall, the findings were mixed, with no clear pattern emerging. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need for a more harmonised approach to research in this field. Despite the sometimes-inconsistent results of our included studies, the evidence supports existing concerns about the impact of Covid-19 on children's mental health and on services for this group, given that even small changes can have a significant impact on provision at population level. Children and young people must be prioritised in pandemic recovery, and explicitly considered in planning for any future pandemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frances Mathews
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Lauren Cross
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Eleanor Bryant
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Rebecca Gudka
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Obioha C. Ukoumunne
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC)ExeterUK
| | - Tamsin J. Ford
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Lambe LJ, Yunus FM, Moore M, Keough MT, Thompson K, Krank M, Conrod P, Stewart SH. Inhibited personality traits, internalizing symptoms, and drinking to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic among emerging adults. Cogn Behav Ther 2022; 52:198-212. [PMID: 36519887 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2022.2152726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Emerging adults with high levels of inhibited personality traits may be at-risk for drinking to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current research explored mediational pathways between two inhibited personality traits (anxiety sensitivity (AS) and hopelessness (HOP)), internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression, and COVID-19 distress), and coping drinking motives (drinking to cope with anxiety and drinking to cope with depression) during the pandemic. Cross-sectional data were collected from 879 undergraduate drinkers (79% female, 83% White, 18-25 years old) at five Canadian universities from January-April 2021. Participants self-reported on their personality, anxiety (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), COVID-19 distress, and coping drinking motives. Mediational path analyses provided evidence of both specific and non-specific pathways between personality and coping motives via internalizing symptoms. Depressive symptoms partially mediated the link between HOP and drinking to cope with depression motives. While anxiety symptoms did not significantly mediate links between AS and coping with anxiety motives in the full model, evidence of mediation was found in a post-hoc sensitivity analysis. COVID-19 distress served as a non-specific mediator. AS and HOP are critical transdiagnostic risk factors that increase vulnerability for internalizing psychopathology and, in turn, risky drinking motives, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Lambe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Fakir Md Yunus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Moore
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Kara Thompson
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Marvin Krank
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia- Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patricia Conrod
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sherry H. Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Pasupathi M, Booker J, Ell M, Follmer Greenhoot A, McLean KC, Wainryb C, Fivush R. College, Interrupted: Profiles in First-Year College Students Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic Across One Year. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2022; 10:1574-1590. [PMID: 38603297 PMCID: PMC9535459 DOI: 10.1177/21676968221119945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
First-year college students in the 2019-2020 academic year are at risk of having their mental health, identity work, and college careers derailed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess emerging and evolving impacts of the pandemic on mental health/well-being, identity development, and academic resilience, we collected data from a racially, ethnically, geographically, and economically diverse group of 629 students at four universities across the US within weeks of lockdown, and then followed up on these students' self-reported mental health, identity, and academic resilience three times over the following year. Our findings suggest that: 1) students' mental health, identity development, and academic resilience were largely negatively impacted compared to pre-pandemic samples; 2) these alterations persisted and, in some cases, worsened as the pandemic wore on; and 3) patterns of change were often worse for students indicating more baseline COVID-related stressors.
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Zhang S, Teng J, Zeng Y, Song H, Gu Z. The effects of forest therapy on public mental health and circular economy: A policy support model in Japan. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1042589. [PMID: 36388322 PMCID: PMC9650485 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1042589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forest therapy has gained popularity in Japan and even other nations/regions due to its health benefits. In addition, forest therapy has contributed to the development of circular economy and industrial upgrading. Japanese successful practice can serve as a model for other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. To this end, the aim of this study was to determine whether forest therapy can improve the whole well-being of the participants and has a positive effect on the development of circular economy in the region. Methods Both empirical and inductive research methods were used; empirical approach was conducted to perform comparative analysis of regional data that was retrieved from the research project of Japanese Forestry Agency in 2015. Specifically, the efficacy of forest therapy on physical (blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight) and mental (sleep quality e.g.,) health outcomes among 815 participants was investigated. Regional data are from the statistics of Iiyama City from 1990 to 2005. After the concept of forest therapy became popular in the late 1990s, this element had a great positive impact on the economic benefits of Ishiyama City and other major forest scenic areas. We summarize and analyze a series of policies made by relevant departments of the Japanese government in the years from 2019 to 2021 to promote forest therapy and related circular industry development. Results Significant (pre-to-post participation) changes in physical measure was observed. Firstly, mean weight of those overweight participants decreased across three different time points (pre-test/enrollment = 79.7 kg, 3-month participation = 77.2, and 6-month participation = 76.8 kg), while overall mean weight of the participants decreased to 61, 60.5, and 60.4 kg, respectively. Secondly, Participant with normal weight showed a decrease on mean HbA1C (from 6.09 to 6.06) at Week 24, while overweight participants demonstrated a slight change 6.03-6.01 after 6 months the average HOMA-IR for overweight participants decreased from 3.5 to 2.5 at Week 24, while participants with normal weight demonstrated a decrease from 2.2 to 1.7 at Week 24. Forest Therapy has emerged in Japan since Mid-1990s and has attracted a large number of tourists all over the world due to its unique health benefits. Conclusion Forest therapy in Japan has positive effects on whole well-being of Japanese residents and it has helped public mental health promotion and economic growth. Under the guidance and support of government policies, it can promote the development of circular economy and industrial transformation and set a model of Japanese forest therapy development for other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhijun Gu
- School of Government, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Zhu F, Zhang Y, Li Q, Xu Y, Liu B. Families, Schools, and the Longitudinal Changes in Psychological Distress among College Students during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a National Panel Survey in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12882. [PMID: 36232181 PMCID: PMC9566168 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychological well-being of students in higher education has become an increasingly important concern in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of prior studies were cross-sectional and thereby failed to capture the individual changes in mental health over time. Moreover, few studies have explored whether and how socioeconomic and education backgrounds could be related to college students' mental health changes. This study aimed to fill these gaps. METHODS Data were from a nationwide, two-wave panel survey of college students in China. Baseline information was collected in November 2019, i.e., before the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in China. A follow-up survey was conducted in November and December 2020, when the epidemic was effectively contained in mainland China. In both waves, mental health was assessed with the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The between-wave changes in psychological distress were measured and categorized. RESULTS Overall, 13.5% of students experienced at least a one-standard-deviation increase in psychological distress over the one-year follow-up. Results from both bivariate and multivariable analysis showed that this marked distress increase was more pronounced among vocational college students (vs. academic undergraduate and postgraduate students) and those with lower levels of academic performance. In contrast, family socioeconomic status (as measured by parental education, family economic condition, and current residence) was not associated with distress changes over time. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of the educational disparities within the higher education system in understanding the mental health dynamics of college students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Zhu
- Department of Sociology, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yueyun Zhang
- Department of Sociology, School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Sociology, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yuanyao Xu
- Department of Sociology, School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Baozhong Liu
- Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Science, Beijing 100732, China
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Preetz R, Greifenberg J, Hülsemann J, Filser A. Moving Back to the Parental Home in Times of COVID-19: Consequences for Students' Life Satisfaction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10659. [PMID: 36078374 PMCID: PMC9518347 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Residential independence from parents is a key marker for young adults' transition to adulthood. Losing this independence by returning to the parental home marks a regression of adult development with negative implications for returnees' subjective wellbeing. This paper investigates how a return to the parental home during the COVID-19 pandemic affects the life satisfaction of university students. We used nationwide survey data from German university students (N = 913) to analyze differences in life satisfaction for those who did or did not return to their parental homes. Our results revealed two main findings. First, university students who moved back to their parental home reported significantly lower life satisfaction than those who remained living independently. Second, the association between moving back and life satisfaction varied by age. A return to the parental home was more detrimental to older students' life satisfaction, while students aged 24 or younger did not experience a significant decrease when moving back to the parental home. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of young adults' subjective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Preetz
- SOCIUM Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Julius Greifenberg
- Institute for Social Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Julika Hülsemann
- Institute for Social Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Filser
- Research Data Centre (FDZ), Institute for Employment Research, 90478 Nuremberg, Germany
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Wei C, Ma Y, Ye JH, Nong L. First-Year College Students' Mental Health in the Post-COVID-19 Era in Guangxi, China: A Study Demands-Resources Model Perspective. Front Public Health 2022; 10:906788. [PMID: 35769778 PMCID: PMC9234168 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.906788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The post-COVID-19 era means that the COVID-19 is basically under control; however, the risk of the pandemic still affects people's work, study, and life, physically and psychologically. In this era, due to the more challenges first-year college students face, more attention should be paid to their mental health. An emerging study demands-resources (SD-R) model can explain the influencing mechanism of college students' mental health. This model suggests that study demands increase the risk of student burnout, which results in mental health problems; meanwhile, study resources reduce student burnout and increase student engagement, thus improving mental health. Based on the SD-R model, this study explores the impacts of time pressure, emotional exhaustion, perceived social support, and student engagement on mental health and provides adequate measures to reduce the risk of mental health problems among first-year students. Time pressure, perceived social support, emotional exhaustion, student engagement, and mental health scales were used to investigate 537 first-year students at three universities in Guangxi, China, of whom 290 (54%) were female, and 247 (46%) were male, and the average age was 18.97 ± 1.01. Results indicated that: (1) Moderate scores on time pressure and emotional exhaustion and slightly-above-the-median scores on perceived social support, student engagement, and mental health were found among first-year students in the post-COVID-19 era. (2) Time pressure had a positive relationship with emotional exhaustion and a negative relationship with mental health. (3) Perceived social support was negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion but positively correlated with student engagement, and thus improved mental health. Results of this study with a sample of first-year college students in China support the hypotheses based on the SD-R model. These findings suggest that increasing perceived social support and student engagement while decreasing time pressure and emotional exhaustion may promote mental health among first-year college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwu Wei
- College of Education and Music, Hezhou University, Hezhou, China
- Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yan Ma
- School of Foreign Studies, Hezhou University, Hezhou, China
| | - Jian-Hong Ye
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Nong
- College of Education and Music, Hezhou University, Hezhou, China
- Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok, Thailand
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