Covid-19 Related Experiences, Online Leisure Crafting, and Academic Performance: Role of Uncertainty Avoidance

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage between COVID-19 related experiences and the academic performance of university students. COVID-19, in general, has impacted the whole world financially, socially, and psychologically through its adverse effects in the form of closure of business, financial crisis, downsizing, psychological distress, etc. Evidence suggests the prevalence of COVID-19 related issues among university students who faced stressful conditions due to lockdown and isolation. Methodology: Drawing on the behavioral theory of plasticity, the present study adopted a two-wave methodology for data collection. We collected data with the help of structured questionnaires from students (n=1473) of an international university in Australia. We used the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to test the moderated mediation model in Smart PLS3. Findings: Results indicated that COVID-19 related experiences were negatively associated with students’ academic performance and positively with online leisure crafting. Whereas online leisure crafting was positively associated with academic performance and partially mediated the COVID-19 related experiences and academic performance. Uncertainty avoidance significantly buffered the effect of COVID-19 related experiences on online leisure crafting. The findings supported the research framework of the study. Conclusion: This study helps make clear the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the impact of COVID-19 related experiences on university students’ academic performance through the mediation of online leisure crafting and moderation of uncertainty avoidance. The implications for university management and policymakers are discussed.