Perceptions of COVID-19 in College Students: Effect on Emotional Well-Being

This study explores the connection between emotional well-being of college students and the COVID-19 pandemic. Many physical distancing practices have negatively affected emotional well-being, such as increased time alone and screen time. A purposive sample of convenience was utilized to collect information on the emotional well-being of a selected group of students at two time points: January through March 2020 and January/February 2021. Students from the Honors College were selected as the study population. The survey questions were administered electronically through Qualtrics software, Version: February 2021. Of the 101 survey responses obtained between January 27 and February 22, 2021, 94 surveys were fully completed (N=94). Twenty-eight (29.8%) respondents indicated that there was no significant change in their emotional well-being January-March 2020 compared to January-February 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty respondents (21.3%) indicated a positive change in emotional well-being, while forty-six respondents (48.9%) indicated a negative change in emotional well-being. Almost half of the individuals surveyed (N= 94) reported a decline in emotional well-being. The results of this study can assist colleges and university counseling services to ensure the positive, emotional and physical well-being of its students through increased campus and online resources