COVID-19 and University Students' Well-Being: An Ecological and Multidimensional Perspective on Post-Pandemic Effects

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures profoundly affected daily life and well-being.
• University students were particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of pandemic-related isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effects of COVID-19 on Italian university students' well-being across three distinct periods: the initial lockdown, one year later, and two years later.
• To assess changes in overall well-being and its six domains (interpersonal, community, occupational, physical, psychological, economic).

Main Methods:

• A total of 765 university students participated in an online self-report questionnaire study.
• The I COPPE scale (short form) was used to measure perceived present and future well-being.

Main Results:

• A notable decline in student well-being was observed in 2021 compared to 2020.
• Well-being levels demonstrated an upward trend in 2022, suggesting a recovery.
• Trends were analyzed across overall well-being and its six specific domains.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the dynamic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' well-being over a two-year period.
• Findings indicate a period of significant distress followed by a gradual recovery in student well-being.
• The research provides insights for targeted support strategies for students facing public health crises.