The New Covid-19 Wave and the Psychological Distress Among Senior High School Students in Ghana

Amos Amuribadek Adangabe,Godfred Agbakplor,Gilbert Dadzie,Mary Braimah,Louisa Annang,Juliet Sam-Wiah,Alfred Dorgbetor,Alice Emmanuella Dogbey

doi:10.11594/ijmaber.03.01.11

Abstract

The study explored the psychological experiences of Senior High School students and their coping strategies in selected Senior High Schools in Ghana in the wake of the third wave of Covid-19. Data for the study were purposely collected from 20 respondents using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of students in Senior High Schools are confused and have a feeling of anxiety whilst on campus in the wake of the third wave of Covid-19. It was further established that Senior High School students cope by building relationships with their teachers and as well with their colleagues in school and adherence to state laid down protocols. The contribution of Guidance and Counselling units in the schools played a great role in helping students cope psychologically.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc on education systems globally affecting more than 1.6 billion students in more than 200 countries (UNESCO, 2020)
School reopening for most students, educators, staff, and school administrators, COVID-19 raises concerns related to danger, safety, and the need for protection (Shepherd, Evans, Gupta, McDonough, Doyle-Baker, Belton, Karmali, Pawer, Hadly, Pike, Adams, Babul, Yeates, Kopala-Sibley, Schneider, Cowle, Fuselli, Emery, & Black, 2021)
On the issue of how Senior High School Students in Northern Ghana cope with the third wave of Covid-19, it could be observed from the above responses that, contrary to Adangabe, et al, (2021) that adolescents cope by employing a direct problem-solving approach, cognitive decision making, comprehension, and constructive cognitive restructuring this study revealed that students cope through relationship building and assurances from friends and teachers

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc on education systems globally affecting more than 1.6 billion students in more than 200 countries (UNESCO, 2020). According to UNESCO, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced countries to close schools nationwide, disrupting the educational process which has impacted over 94% of the world's student population. This has resulted in major changes to every aspect of our lives. School reopening for most students, educators, staff, and school administrators, COVID-19 raises concerns related to danger, safety, and the need for protection (Shepherd, Evans, Gupta, McDonough, Doyle-Baker, Belton, Karmali, Pawer, Hadly, Pike, Adams, Babul, Yeates, Kopala-Sibley, Schneider, Cowle, Fuselli, Emery, & Black, 2021).

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Results

Conclusion