COVID-19 experiences and psychopathology symptoms in college students at the onset of the pandemic

Aline K. Szenczy*, Mengxing Wang, Clare C. Beatty, Lauren L. Richmond, Jessica L. Schleider, Brady D. Nelson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: The present study examined what specific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to psychopathology symptoms among college students during the initial stages of the pandemic. Participants: One thousand and eighty-nine college students (Mage = 20.73, SDage = 2.93) enrolled at a university in New York participated in the study between March and May 2020. Methods: Participants completed self-report measures assessing pandemic-related experiences and psychopathology symptoms. Results: Results indicated that greater COVID-19-related life changes were uniquely associated with greater depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Greater concerns about school, home confinement, and basic needs were uniquely associated with greater depression symptoms. Finally, greater COVID-19 infection concerns were uniquely associated with greater generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic had a multifaceted impact on undergraduate students and that specific COVID-19 experiences contributed to higher rates of psychopathology symptoms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of American College Health
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2023

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • COVID-19
  • depression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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