Association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning

Abstract

Distant or online learning on digital platforms has become the norm in education worldwide, putting students under immense mental strain. The present study examined the association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning. This study used a cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was sent to each of the 210 university students at two prestigious public and private universities in Bangladesh through email. Data was collected from March 26 to April 27, 2021. Severe psychological distress was found in 55.2 percent of the population. Younger age groups, public university students, students with no self-income, moderate aid from the university in providing resources from home, and students with existing mental health illnesses were significantly associated with psychological distress (p-value<0.05). Among all 14 items of Brief COPE, active coping, using emotional support, and self-blame significantly influenced the psychological distress instrument Kessler-10 (p-value<0.01). Given the perspective of this study, coping strategies alleviate stress and facilitate positive psychological outcomes. Students’ mental health is a prioritized issue that needs more attention. Because of its higher prevalence and adverse consequences, institution authorities should support each student by providing study materials, student loans, and scholarships. Routine screening will allow identifying students going through a difficult time who can get help from experts through counseling.

Religious coping and levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology after the Beirut explosion.

“…As a concept, religious coping relies on the broader construct of coping which proposes that cognitive and behavioral tactics are utilized by individuals in an attempt to manage events that are appraised as distressing (Mozid, 2022; Stanisławski, 2019). While there remains no firm agreement on the number and taxonomy of coping tactics, it is generally accepted that in the face of distressing events, individuals need to do two things: manage their emotions and manage the problem (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).…”

College Graduates’ Negative Life Experiences, Coping Strategies and Enlightenment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in China

“… 18 People in the youth are especially vulnerable to negative life experiences and related psychosocial problems, with studies showing that the young age group of 18–25 years experienced the most psychological distress. 19 The World Health Organization has identified youth between 15 and 24 years old to be a high-risk group prone to suicidal ideation and subsequent suicidal behaviors and/or attempts. 20 As the major cause of death among Chinese youth, suicide ranked second in the 15 to 19 years old group and first in the 20 to 24 years old group.…”