Why Is Everyone Packing Their Bags? COVID-19, Mental Health, Basic Needs, and Intent to Return

• In Event: Student Development and Learning Amid Class, Careers, and Crisis

Abstract

For higher education, the COVID-19 pandemic compounded student mental health issues and basic needs concerns and impacted enrollment and retention patterns. This study explored the relationship between concerns about basic needs and increases in mental health issues during the pandemic and first-year students’ intention to return, controlling for student identities, experiences, and institutional characteristics. Data from the 2021 National Survey of Student Engagement administration, containing responses from 10,443 first-year students attending 47 institutions, was used. Our findings suggest that immediate and indefinite concerns about basic needs during COVID, as well as mental health issues increases, were significant predictors of intention to return. These findings can point towards empirically informed programs and policies that promote college student retention, flourishing, and resilience.

Authors

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University

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