Examining the Relationship Between Distance Learning Processes and University Students’ Anxiety in Times of Covid19

Abstract

Governments worldwide have implemented strict physical and social distancing measures to prevent contamination from the COVID-19 pandemic and flatten the epidemic curve. Recent findings show that university students have experienced increased anxiety and moderate-to-severe stress because of confinement measures (quarantine) (Husky et al., 2020; Islam et al., 2020). In Cyprus, universities switched to distance learning in mid-March 2020. The present research examined the social and academic challenges that university students are experiencing during the lockdown measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We focused on assessing the students' stress levels while they were trying to adjust to distance learning and while, at the same time, balancing their jobs with their studies. We considered whether they lived with or separated from their family and friends during that time. Our study is a quantitative study with a sample of 80 students from Cyprus and Greece who attended a private university in Cyprus until November 2020. We collected our data using Beck's Anxiety Inventory and a self-report e-questionnaire, which we created especially for the purposes of our study. The instrument was generated using the Google Form, and shared through social media platforms. We analysed data with the chi-square test application to detect correlations between working and non-working students and students who lived with or away from their family network during the lockdown regarding their stress levels and their adaptability to distance-learning. Results indicated statistically significant positive correlations between employment, distance learning, students' anxiety and stress levels.
 
 <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0790/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Exploring the quality of life and psychological symptoms of university students in Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic

“…Also, Hadjicharalambous et al (2021) confirmed that people who enjoyed good cooperation between their family members regarding daily activities exhibited higher scores on general health and quality of life, positive mood, and physical and psychological health. Furthermore, Demetriou et al (2021) revealed that students who resided with their families during the lockdown had significantly lower stress levels than those who did not; in fact, the students who were surrounded by family reported less frequent terror symptoms than the students who were living alone during that time.…”

“…Recent studies conducted worldwide, show clearly that the Covid19 pandemic has severely affected young adults' mental health and subsequent quality of life (Cao et al, Demetriou et al, 2021). The restrictions in movement and in gathering capacities have negatively impacted productivity and performance and, especially in young adults, have suspended personal freedoms, independence and perhaps adulthood itself.…”

“…University students' lives changed drastically due to the physical distancing and social isolation measures that led to switching from conventional learning to distance learning. Students were confined at home, and all teaching, learning, and evaluation took place online (Demetriou et al, 2021). At the same time, insecurities regarding employment and the financial future were accentuated.…”

“…At the same time, insecurities regarding employment and the financial future were accentuated. Negative emotions such as the fear of death and the fear of an "unknown enemy" (as this was depicted in the media) created a generalized fear in the people, as they did not know exactly where the threats were coming from (Van Bavel et al Research conducted with students in Cyprus earlier this year (Demetriou et al, 2021) showed that more than 70% of the participating students experienced high to medium stress during the lockdowns. In this framework, working students experienced significantly more anxiety and stress than those who did not have to juggle studies with work, and it manifested in somatic symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and general nervousness.…”

The Role of Classroom Contexts on Learners’ Grit and Foreign Language Anxiety: Online vs. Traditional Learning Environment

“…He argued that a difference between a learner’s anticipation, experience, and apprehension from technology among learners can justify the reason for learners’ FLA and online learning anxiety. Demetriou et al (2021) explored the relationships between employed and unemployed learners’ FLA levels and their adaptableness to online learning during the lockdown. They found that employment is significantly correlated with online learning and anxiety levels.…”