Comparing Incoming College Freshman in 2019 and 2020: Differences in Psychological Well-being, Sleep Quality, Physical Activity, and Eating Disturbances

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The main objective was to compare incoming college freshman from 2019 to incoming college freshman from 2020. Due to the pandemic, it was expected that incoming college freshman in 2020, relative to those in 2019, would demonstrate poorer functioning in terms of psychological well-being, sleep quality, physical activity, and eating disorders. Methods Prior to starting college at a mid-sized university, incoming college freshman were invited to complete surveys related to health and well-being (2019 n = 32; 2020 n = 64). Participants completed the following measures: Beck Depression Inventory II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Exercise Dependence Scale, Modifiable Physical Activity Questionnaire, Yale Food Addiction Scale, and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Results T-tests were used to compare mean differences between the cohorts. Cohen's d is reported as an index of effect size. The 2020 cohort reported greater depression (d = .44, P = .045), anxiety (d = .48, P = .036), and perceived stress (d = .44, P = .05), but did not differ on social support (P = .84). Although differences were in the expected direction, the cohorts did not significantly differ in sleep quality, moderate and vigorous physical activity per week, exercise dependence, eating disorders symptoms, or food addiction (p's > .20). Conclusions Incoming college freshman in 2020, compared to their counterparts in 2019, reported worse psychological well-being in terms of perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Observed differences did not extend to disturbances in sleep, physical activity, or eating. Funding Sources Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida