International Council for Education, Research and Training

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

Kumar, Sandeep1

1Professor of Chemistry, and ‘by courtesy of psychology’, NIILM University Kaithal, Haryana

Simran2

2Professor, Department of Commerce, NIILM University Kaithal Haryana India

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.

Keywords: social distancing, pandemic, depression, anxiety, stress, covid-19

Impact Statement

Covid 19 pandemic impacted adversely to most of the world population. Negative impacts ae not only short term but also long term, still researchers are working on finding the long term impacts on the large population. This research mainly focus on the impact of lockdown due to covid 19 pandemic on the school and higher education students and their responses. A major number of students faced imbalances in hormones and neurotransmitters i.e. brain biochemistry. This study reveals that the mental health of school and higher education students is negatively impacted by the lockdown due to covid-19 pandemic, and a majority of students faced inevitable psychological challenges and responses to deal with such adversity. This study will provide an insight to young researchers for further research on psychosocial factors and their impacts on cognitive competence.

About The Authors

Dr Sandeep Kumar is working as Professor of Chemistry and ‘by courtesy of psychology’ NIILM University Kaithal Haryana, and have more than two decades experience in teaching, research, curriculum development, counselling and leadership. His areas of interest are chemical education, research, behavioural science, teacher education and practices. As resource person, he has conducted more than 225 training programs for the school and higher education teachers. He has been awarded with numerous prestigious National and International Awards. He has participated and presented research articles in more than 200 National and International conferences. He has been invited as keynote speaker, guest of honour, conference chair, and resources person in various National and International Conferences. He is associated with various National and International Organizations. 


Dr Simran is working as Professor, Department of Commerce, NIILM University Kaithal Haryana India. She has 13 years of rich experience in leadership, curriculum development and teaching at school and higher education level. Her area of research is accounting, taxation, human resource management and teaching-learning. She has attended more than 70 conferences, seminars and workshops. She has presented her research in various National and International Conferences. She has been awarded with 8 prestigious Awards.

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