Emotion Regulation and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among Post-Graduate University Students

Abstract

Background: In early 2020, The COVID-19 became a global public health concern. After the first report of three known cases on 8 March 2020, Bangladesh went on lock-down, and also, educational institutions have been put on an extended lock-down. As a consequence, it put a pause on the students’ academic activity. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the state of mental health of the postgraduate students in a tertiary educational institution in Bangladesh and the role of emotion regulation strategies they use in managing their well-being. Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional online survey covering 206 young adults. Participants completed questionnaires of Emotion Regulation, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, COVID-19 concern ratings, and provided demographic information. Results: Students used Cognitive Reappraisal strategy while they were feeling anxious and depressed with Expressive Suppression more often to regulate their depressive state. Both current students and graduates were worried about their future career, and students still studying were highly anxious regarding their academic future. Moreover, not knowing virus infection status made them highly anxious and depressed. Conclusions: The psychological impact of COVID-19 on postgraduate students has been found significantly higher. The trend is somewhat not unexpected as social and daily life functioning has changed remarkably due to COVID-19 pandemic. The present study opens a door for mental health professionals in terms of assessment, points of collaboration, providing intervention and support where needed.