The enigma of resilience at an HBCU during a global pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students around the world are experiencing a number of mental health challenges due to fear, isolation, death of loved ones, loss of jobs, virtual learning, political and civil unrest, and perceived loss of control. Many of the challenges experienced had the potential to affect academic success and career choice decisions. Three hundred thirty-two HBCU students participated in the 2021 Healthy Minds Survey to provide data regarding their personal, social, and mental health concerns. This research focused not only on the challenges these students experienced but also their coping strategies, resource utilization and their level of resilience as assessed via Brief Resilience Scale. Despite experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, financial and food insecurity, and political and civil unrest, a significant number of students exhibited normal to high levels of resilience and 45% were experiencing positive mental health. Ten variables were examined to determine which factors might influence student’s ability to “bounce back.” Three variables related to social support were found to have a statistically significant impact on resilience levels. Implications for future research are explored.