Navigating Challenging Times: University Students’ Well-Being and Motivation Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Taking a Closer Look at Teacher Stress and Burnout

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), university students faced challenges as they transitioned to digital teaching and learning. The long-term effects on student well-being and motivation remain unknown due to a lack of comprehensive studies. This study examined the well-being and motivation of 1,967 university students from January 2020 to January 2023. Students assessed emotional exhaustion, study satisfaction, dropout intentions, and enthusiasm at four measurement points. The findings indicated higher emotional exhaustion and dropout intentions in 2021, 2022, and 2023 compared to 2020. Study satisfaction initially increased during the 2021 lockdown but declined over time, while enthusiasm remained stable. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing university support to mitigate psychological distress caused by the pandemic and beyond.

Authors

• Josina Schriek, Humboldt University - Berlin

• Bastian Carstensen, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education

• Renate Soellner, University of Hildesheim

• Uta Klusmann, IPN · Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education