Mental health impacts of COVID-19 lockdown on US college students: Results of a photoelicitation project

Objective This study seeks to understand the experiences of college student as they completed their education during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants: Students at a large 4-year college in Midwestern USA. Methods: We conducted a photo-survey of students' experiences during the lockdown. Student researchers and faculty collaborated to analyze images and texts in a way that privileged students' interpretation. Results: Students frequently reported worsening mental health during the lockdown. Nonacademic aspects of students' lives such as work and the home environment significantly contributed to perceived stress. Students, especially freshmen coped maladaptively with unmet psychosocial and educational needs. Faculty may underestimate the indirect impact of the pandemic on students' lives and academic outcomes. Conclusion: Perspectives presented herein add the crucial voice of students to ongoing conversations to meet pandemic-related mental health needs of college students.