Psychological impact of physical distancing due to covid 19 pandemic on school and higher education students

Abstract

MoHFW India, WHO, NHS, and CDC suggested imposing lockdown and closing educational institutions with the spread of covid 19 pandemic to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease. Students faced negative mental health symptoms due to unexpected transition from physical to virtual learning, increased screen time, physical distancing, altered habits, rumors through news, print media, social media, and other means. This study focuses on the psychological impact of covid 19 on school and higher education students due to psychosocial factors like physical distancing. 2140 students, mixed gender, in age from 17 years to 25 years (M = 22.73, SD = 6.12) are selected as sample population for the study. Mixed-method approach is used for data collection that include face to face interactions in clinics, Health Questionnaires & Self-Reports, online counseling to assess the stress & depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, rating scales for Behavior analysis, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale to assess perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and mental health & well-being, respectively. Analysis of data shows that 42.7% of school and higher education students have either depression or anxiety. 71.7% of students reported poor health and well-being. 36.7% of students reported fear of getting infected by virus, many students were reported with cognitive dissonance in myths and truths about Covid-19. 37.9% of students spend their time on media & social media, including watching TV or reading Covid-19 related news and information on various platforms. About 56.2% students reported with increased use of social media. There was a minor difference between depression and anxiety, as reported by females and male students, however expression of separation fear was slightly higher in male students than female students. Physical distancing and lack of social interaction caused stress, anxiety (GAD) and depression symptoms in students due to imbalances in hormones & neurotransmitters.