In the beginning of 2020, the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, became a public health emergency in the U.S. and rapidly escalated into a global pandemic. Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is highly contagious, physical distancing was enforced and indoor public spaces, including schools and educational institutions, were abruptly closed and evacuated to ensure civilian safety. Accordingly, educational institutions rapidly transitioned to remote learning. We investigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic U.S. college students, ages 18–24 years. Through Pollfish®’s survey research platform, we collected data from 200 domestic U.S. college students in this age range (N = 200) regarding the physical, emotional, and social impacts of COVID-19 as well as key background information (e.g. whether or not they are first-generation or if they identify with the LGBTQIA+ community). Our results indicate that students closer to graduating faced increases in anxiety (60.8%), feeling of loneliness (54.1%), and depression (59.8%). Many reported worries for the health of loved ones most impacted their mental health status (20.0%), and the need to take care of family most affected current and future plans (31.8%). Almost one-half of students took to exercising and physical activity to take care of their mental health (46.7%). While a third did not have strained familial relationships (36.5%), almost one half did (45.7%). A majority found it harder to complete the semester at home (60.9%), especially among those who had strained relationships with family (34.1%). Seventy percent spent time during the pandemic watching television shows or movies. Significantly more men, first-generation, and low-income students gained beneficial opportunities in light of the pandemic, whereas their counterparts reported no impact. First-generation students were more likely to take a gap year or time off from school. Although students found ways to take care of themselves and spent more time at home, the clear negative mental health impacts call for schools and federal regulations to accommodate, support, and make mental health care accessible to all students.

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COVID-19对美国大学生心理健康的影响


2020年初，由SARS-CoV-2病毒引起的新型冠状病毒病（COVID-19）在美国成为突发公共卫生事件，并迅速升级为全球大流行。由于 SARS-CoV-2 病毒具有高度传染性，因此必须保持身体距离，并突然关闭并疏散包括学校和教育机构在内的室内公共空间，以确保平民安全。因此，教育机构迅速转向远程学习。我们调查了 COVID-19 大流行对美国国内 18-24 岁大学生的影响。通过 Pollfish® 的调查研究平台，我们收集了该年龄段 200 名美国国内大学生（N = 200）有关 COVID-19 对身体、情感和社会影响的数据以及关键背景信息（例如是否或不是他们是第一代，或者他们是否认同 LGBTQIA+ 社区）。我们的结果表明，临近毕业的学生面临着焦虑（60.8%）、孤独感（54.1%）和抑郁（59.8%）增加的情况。许多人表示，对亲人健康的担忧对他们的心理健康状况影响最大（20.0%），而照顾家人的需要对他们当前和未来的计划影响最大（31.8%）。近一半的学生通过锻炼和身体活动来照顾自己的心理健康（46.7%）。虽然三分之一的人没有家庭关系紧张（36.5%），但近一半的人家庭关系紧张（45.7%）。大多数人发现在家完成学期比较困难（60.9%），尤其是那些与家人关系紧张的人（34.1%）。百分之七十的人在大流行期间花时间看电视节目或电影。 鉴于这一流行病，更多的男性、第一代和低收入学生获得了有益的机会，而他们的同行则报告没有受到影响。第一代学生更有可能休学一年或休学。尽管学生找到了照顾自己的方法，并在家里度过了更多的时间，但明显的负面心理健康影响要求学校和联邦法规为所有学生提供容纳、支持和提供心理健康护理。