Do I Belong? Impacts of Mental Health Issues and Basic Needs due to COVID

• In Event: Mental Health in College

Abstract

The socially isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded student mental health issues and basic needs concerns and potentially reduced sense of belonging. This study explores the relationship between concerns about basic needs and increases in mental health issues during the pandemic and sense of belonging, controlling for student identities, experiences, and institutional characteristics. Data from the 2021 National Survey of Student Engagement administration, containing 10,443 first-year students and 12,218 seniors attending 47 institutions, is used. Our findings suggest that immediate and indefinite concerns about basic needs during COVID, as well as mental health issues increases, were related to sense of belonging. These findings can point towards empirically informed programs and policies that promote college student flourishing and resilience.

Authors

• Amber D. Dumford, University of South Florida - Tampa
  Presenting Author

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University
  Presenting Author

• Jarrett Gupton, University of South Florida
  Presenting Author