Reflections of COVID-19 on the mental health of university students

Abstract

In view of the pandemic situation, universities have gone through challenges, such as the change from teaching “face to face” to online classes. The present study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact confinement situation on Portuguese university students, through the analysis of perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression. 694 Portuguese higher education students participated in the study. The results show moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety disorder, as well as the explanatory contribution of sociodemographic, academic and pandemic experience variables. On the one hand, the protective role of satisfaction with the accompaniment and supervision by teachers and of having “isolated” moments to study should be highlighted. On the other hand, results reveal that the concern with the pandemic and its impact on the educational path are risk factors. This study makes it possible to highlight key points of focus in the prevention of anxiety symptoms.