Coping With COVID-19: The Impact of John Henryism on Urban College Students' Engagement in Schoolwork

• In Event: Learning and Motivation in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The current study examined how COVID-19 impacted urban college students’ engagement in their schoolwork and whether John Henryism mediated the relationship among demographic variables and engagement. Results demonstrated that John Henryism is a significant predictor of all three engagement outcomes (absorption, dedication, and vigor) and mediated the relationship between students who identify as having low-social power and their vigor for engaging in schoolwork. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual challenges. This study adds another dimension to the coping strategies urban college students are using to stay engaged in their schoolwork during the pandemic.

Authors

• Benjamin M Torsney, Temple University

• Kathryn M Burke, Temple University

• Marina Milidou, UK

• Maryam Mansur, Temple University