Psychological responses during the coronavirus disease (covid-19) pandemic among the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg

Abstract: The problem statement identified in this research study concerns the insufficient knowledge around the psychological impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg. Aim The primary aim of the study was to explore the psychological effects concerning depression, anxiety and stress among the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. Research Methodology This was a quantitative, explorative contextual study which was conducted among the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg. The sample consisted of 102 Sport Management students that took part in the survey. The survey was an online anonymous questionnaire which was set up making use of Question Pro. After receiving permission from the relevant departments to use the students in the research study, the survey link along with the information letter were sent to the class representatives to distribute to the students. The data collection was achieved using the online questionnaire. The data was then analyzed by the researcher with the assistance of the Statkon department at the University of Johannesburg. Results and discussion The study concluded that, while the prevalence for stress among the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg was within the normal ranges, depression and anxiety were experienced at mild and moderate levels, respectively. The data further revealed that the female students in this study group experienced higher levels of anxiety than the male students. The measurement of these results was done using the DASS severity scale. Conclusion and recommendations The results of this study showed that there was no significant psychological impairment among the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg. Albeit this is the finding in this study group, mental health problems are a common and serious finding among university students regardless of the situation. Promoting mental health and making known that help is available are essential in maintaining mental health well-being among students. Further research is required into determining the long term vi effects of the covid-19 pandemic on the psychological health of the Sport Management students at the University of Johannesburg. This research can also be expanded to include Sport Management students from different universities in South Africa. Key Words Coronavirus, Covid-19, Pandemic, Psychological, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Sport Management students.M.Tech. (Chiropractic