Mental Health of Grade 12 Students amid COVID-19: A Mixed Method Study

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled countries globally to a complete lockdown. This unusual disruption to routine lifestyle has created a sense of anxiety and fear across the globe. Examinations, entrance tests, admissions to schools and colleges were postponed, and they switched to the online mode of instruction. This prevailing uncertainty led to the deteriorated mental health of Grade 12th students. Understanding their current mental health from their lived experiences can lead to better management, decisions from the authorities, and mental health care. The present study aimed to analyze the mental health of 12th-grade students' from their lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed a mixed-method research design. The quantitative part involved the administration of a questionnaire to 300 students pursuing their 12th grade in Bangalore city. The qualitative part involved a semi-structured interview of eight students and analyzed interview data using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The study revealed a high degree of mental stress experienced by the participants. Girls' had higher mental stress than boys did. The study described the participant's lived experiences amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in main themes and sub-themes. The main themes found are factors affecting mental health, positive lived experiences, and mechanisms to cope with the crisis.