Projects per year
Abstract
AimThis study aimed to examine the mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students and the associating factors after returning to face-to-face (in-person) learning after Covid-19 restrictions.MethodsA cross-sectional study informed by student consultations was conducted using a survey design. Mental health and wellbeing were assessed using self-report items on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on data collected between December 2021 and June 2022.ResultsN = 1160 students participated; 69.6% between 16 and 25 years, 67.9% studying in the UK, 66.5% studying away from home, 60.2% identified as she/her, 59.8% studying at the undergraduate degree level, 42.5% belonging to non-White ethnic backgrounds, 29.6% identifying as having additional needs and 22.8% as sexual minority. Moderate anxiety (M = 13.67, SD = 9.92) and depression (M = 17.04, SD = 11.56) scores were mainly reported. Wellbeing scores (M = 20.31, SD = 3.93) were lower than the estimate for the pre-pandemic general population. Gender expression, sexuality, age, ethnicity, having additional needs, and level and location of study was associated with mental health or wellbeing. Individual coping styles, levels of self-efficacy and physical activity were also associated with mental health or wellbeing.ConclusionsMany students returning to further and higher education after Covid-19 restrictions experienced reduced mental health and wellbeing, and some students were at greater risk. Providing student-centred interventions focusing on self-efficacy, coping styles and physical activity may help improve the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | e0280689 |
Pages (from-to) | 1454-1478 |
Journal | PLoS ONE |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 23 Jan 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Jan 2023 |
Keywords
- mental health
- wellbeing
- higher education students
Research Groups
- Children and Young People Research Network
- Higher Education Research Network
- Sport, Work and Health Research Group
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students returning to face-to-face learning after Covid-19 restrictions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
-
Student Mental Health, Wellbeing and Academic Achievement
LIVERPOOL, S. (PI) & Karkou, V. (PI)
1/09/21 → 30/09/23
Project: Research