A mixed methods investigation of college student mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective Researchers collaborated with undergraduate minority students to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate college students' mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants Participants were two convenience samples of diverse college students surveyed in June (n = 128; M age = 21.7, SD = 1.7) and December (n = 242; M age = 20.3, SD = 1.7) of 2020. Methods This study administered items from the California Health Interview Survey and open-ended qualitative items via Qualtrics. Results Across both waves, students reported significant mental health challenges and psychological distress. Students surveyed in December were three to four times more likely to report depression and anxiety. Female and older students reported heightened odds of mental health challenges. Qualitative findings elaborated on contributing factors. Conclusion During the pandemic, college students have experienced pronounced mental health challenges, potentially exacerbated by academic, professional, relational, and environmental stressors and uncertainty.