The Impact of COVID-19 on First-Generation Students' Health, Well-Being, and Sense of Self

• In Event: Higher Ed Policy and Campus Crises: Sexual Violence and COVID Contexts

Abstract

When the U.S. began implementing shutdowns and social distancing policies in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 global pandemic, many U.S. colleges and universities were physically closed for prolonged periods of time, leading to disruptions in the lives of their students. Framed by a social cognitive approach, we conducted in-depth interviews to explore the impact of the pandemic on first-generation students’ resources and support systems for persisting in college, the impacts on their mental and physical health, and their intentions for completing their college degree. We find that the transition to remote learning severely disrupted students’ living arrangements, economic security, and overall well-being. Despite these obstacles, most participants sense of self and determination to complete their education remained stable.

Authors

• Megan Kathryn Rauch Griffard, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Cassandra R. Davis, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Rex A. Long, Texas State University

• Julie Sexton, University of Colorado - Boulder

• mila turner