Effects of COVID-19 on Stress and Mental Health of Community College Pre-Engineering Students

Danowitz, Andrew; Beddoes, Kacey

doi:10.1109/fie56618.2022.9962570

Cited by 7 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The pandemic exacerbated overall rates of depression (18.6%) and anxiety (47.8%), and higher rates associated with being a female medical student, and in the first term of study ( 5 ). Research among engineering students highlighted higher levels of distress among historically underrepresented engineering students indicating potential intersectional factors that impacted mental health ( 6 ). Additionally, research that investigated the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on student mental and behavioral health outcomes found that scores on anxiety and depression scales were statistically higher than they had been prior to the pandemic ( 7 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Access and efficacy of university mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Wagner,

Snoubar,

Mahdi

2023

Front. Public Health

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ObjectiveThis study sought to understand the mental health issues, mental health support and efficacy of that support among university students.ParticipantsAll students enrolled in a College of Arts and Sciences at one mid-size university received an email that contained a link to an anonymous, online questionnaire developed and disseminated through PsychData. 162 students completed the questionnaire.MethodsMixed methods: Data was summarized using descriptive analysis, testing for significance, testing for differences, and content analysis.ResultsParticipants reported high levels of anxiety (76%) and depression (65%). Results indicated that participant demographics were associated with types of mental access, and support. Unexpected results included lack of knowledge or information on cost, and how to access mental health services hindered access for participants, and although telehealth was the most widely used support, in contrast to other studies, participants indicated a preference for face-to-face mental health services.ConclusionResults highlight the need for improving communication about and access to mental health services in higher education Recommendations and implications for policy and support services are provided.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Access and efficacy of university mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Wagner,

Snoubar,

Mahdi

2023

Front. Public Health

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“…Studies have also found that female and first-generation [9], and female and gender minority [10] engineering students were more likely to report symptoms of mental health distress when compared to their peers. Further, analysis of mental wellness during the Covid-19 pandemic indicated that stress levels for Latinx and international students were significantly higher than the baseline population, indicating a differential impact of the pandemic on student stress levels [12]. Within the engineering student population, those students reporting symptoms of mental health distress are less likely to have sought professional help compared to their non-engineering peers [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…Stressors identified as a result of the pandemic include difficulty concentrating, establishing new routines, lack of motivation, logistical problems with online learning, loneliness, financial concerns, missing friends and family, and change in sleep [21]. Within the engineering student population, the most common stressors faced by students were change in social activities, change in school/housing conditions, changes in sleep and changes in eating [12]. While some of these are similar to the stressors seen in typical college semesters, many are a reflection of the variety of methods of course delivery and social isolation due to the onset of the pandemic.…”

Section: Perceived Sources Of Stressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying common perceived stressors and stress-relief strategies among undergraduate engineering students

Wilson,

Wright,

Miller

et al.

2022 ASEE Annual Conference &Amp; Exposition Proceedings

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Mental health concerns have become a growing problem among collegiate engineering students. To date, there has been little research to understand the factors that influence student mental health within this population. Literature on engineering student mental health supports the idea that engineering students experience high levels of mental health distress, which often stems from stressors such as academic workload, maintaining a strong grade point average (GPA), and pressure from parents and/or professors. Of particular concern, distressed engineering students are less likely to seek professional help when compared to students in other majors. As a result, a comprehensive study was conducted on engineering mental health help-seeking behavior. Through secondary analysis of the data from that study, this work aims to identify common perceived stressors that may contribute to mental health distress, as well as perceived coping strategies that may be used instead of seeking professional mental health help.A diverse group of 33 engineering undergraduate students were a part of the comprehensive study on engineering mental health help-seeking behavior. For this study, qualitative data was analyzed to address two specific research questions: 1) What are the main sources of stress that engineers have experienced in their engineering training? and 2) What coping strategies have students developed as an alternative to seeking professional help? Several common perceived stressors were identified including an unsupportive and challenging engineering training environment, challenges in time management, and academic performance expectations. Perceived coping strategies identified include relationships with family, friends, and classmates and health and wellness activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining spiritual health. The results of this work will be helpful in recognizing ways to improve engineering education and increase student support.

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“…Demographic questions were added to allow us to study whether and to what extent mental health disparities exist among different student groups. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 the survey instrument was updated with a revised version of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale to measure the impact of the pandemic on respondent life stress [6], [7]. Additional questions were included to ask respondents whether COVID-19 and the academy's response to it affected their food and housing security, and ability to access course supplies and instruction.…”

Section: Survey Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Board 338: Mental Health in Engineering Education Before, During, and After COVID-19 Related Disruptions

Danowitz,

Beddoes

2023 ASEE Annual Conference &Amp; Exposition Proceedings

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Effects of COVID-19 on Stress and Mental Health of Community College Pre-Engineering Students

Cited by 7 publications

References 29 publications

Access and efficacy of university mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Access and efficacy of university mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Identifying common perceived stressors and stress-relief strategies among undergraduate engineering students

Board 338: Mental Health in Engineering Education Before, During, and After COVID-19 Related Disruptions

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