Stress and Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Academic Trajectories: A Longitudinal Examination Among Students With and Without Disability (Poster 32)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Psychological Well-Being and Coping Mechanisms in Higher Education

Abstract

Aims of this study were to document changes in perceived stress and coping in college students during the covid-19 pandemic and to examine predictive relationships between these changes and academic functioning after 18 months in college. The sample comprised 1,826 college students (41.2% with disabilities). They completed questionnaires in fall 2019, spring 2020, and spring 2021, including measures of stress and coping, academic functioning, and disclosure of clinically diagnosed disabilities. Results indicate increased perceived stress, decreased use of proactive coping, and increased use of alcohol and drugs. Overall, students without disabilities experienced more pronounced changes than students with disabilities. Lower academic functioning after 18 months in college was predictive of increased perceived stress and defensive strategies and decreased proactive strategies.

Authors

• Simon Larose, Université Laval

• Aurore Ghetti, Laval University