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University students coping with COVID-19 challenges: Do they need help?
Miriam Schiff1, Ruth Pat-Horenczyk1, Rami Benbenishty1,2
1Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|March 10, 2022
Summary
University students faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many needing help due to worries about family health and online learning difficulties. These factors impacted their coping abilities, highlighting the need for targeted university support services.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Education
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for university students globally.
- Understanding student mental health and support needs during crises is crucial for academic institutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate perceived coping levels and help-seeking behaviors among Israeli university students.
- To examine the relationship between risk/protective factors and student well-being during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online questionnaire was administered to 4,710 university students in Israel.
- Assessed COVID-19 related functional difficulties, social support, and trust in authorities.
- Hierarchical regression analyses were used to analyze coping and need for help.
Main Results:
- The most common difficulties included worry for family health (64.4%) and online learning challenges (63.2%).
- Nearly half of students (47.3%) reported needing some level of help.
- COVID-19 related difficulties were significant predictors of lower perceived coping and increased need for help.
Conclusions:
- Universities must develop tailored support services to address students' needs during ongoing health crises.
- Proactive interventions are necessary to mitigate the negative impact of pandemic-related stressors on student mental health and academic success.
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