Students' Perceived COVID Strains, Stress, and Loneliness

This study's purpose was to evaluate the influence of COVID related changes on students’ lives and responsibilities. We examined the relationship among Perceived Stress, Loneliness, and Changes in Responsibilities due to COVID. 96 participants (21 Males, 73 Females, 1 Non-binary, and 1 Transgender, average age of 21.8) responded to an online survey that included the following scales: Cohen’s Perceived Stress; Loneliness; Family Roles; changing work, family, financial, and school expectations due to COVID; and demographics. Perceived Stress showed a significant positive correlation with increased COVID related strains related to work, family, and financial expectations. Stress, however, was not correlated with increased COVID related strains due to school. This may suggest that college initiatives succeeded at easing students' reactions to COVID related changes in the new online environment. Stress was also positively correlated with loneliness. Students who experienced greater loneliness reported higher levels of stress. Loneliness, surprisingly, was higher for students living with their parents, but lower for students who worked more hours. Younger participants, such as freshman, were more likely to experience higher levels of stress and loneliness suggesting colleges should focus on offering their students ways to stay connected. While students experienced stress and loneliness due to a variety of COVID strains, some demographic factors helped students to better cope.