Abstract
The current pandemic has modified how education, learning, and technology interact with one another inside universities. The usage of technology for instructional purposes raises the question of whether learning that happens in an online environment is as effective as traditional classroom models. Within this context, this study explores the psychological well-being of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an online cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 246 university students currently studying at a private university in India. Hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modelling were used to study the mediating effects between communication apprehension, perceived learning, and psychological well-being under the moderating effects of intention to use social media and psychological stress. Results show that higher intentions to use social media alleviated the negative effects of communication apprehension on perceived learning. Interestingly, it was also found that perceived learning had a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being when students experienced higher levels of psychological stress (eustress). Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the transactional theory of stress and coping, we attempt to integrate the findings related to these theories, which can be considered distinct to previous studies. Implications, limitations, and future directions for research and practice have also been discussed.
Highlights
Psychological well-being is considered important for university students in order to achieve their goals and fulfill their utmost potential [1]
The current study examined the links between communication apprehension, perceived learning, and learning outcomes when moderated with the intention to social media and psychological stress
Due to the growing concerns related to the psychological well-being of university students’ during the online education period, it has become imperative for researchers, practitioners, and educationists to take measures to help students survive the non-traditional learning experiences and maintain psychological well-being
Summary
Psychological well-being is considered important for university students in order to achieve their goals and fulfill their utmost potential [1]. The past decade has seen an exponential rise in the existence of mental health conditions among university students [2]. Recent research shows that there is a rising need for help from university students who struggle with significant mental health concerns [3,4,5]. Examining factors that impact the psychological well-being of university students can help researchers identify ways to train students for a better life [6]. Recent research shows that there is an increase in financial and psychological stress in university students, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period [3]
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