Murray State University
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Occupational Safety and Health
Institution 24-25
Murray State University
KY House District #
1
KY Senate District #
1
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Julia Ann Boyd, PhD; Susan Miller, PhD
Department
Department of Occupational Safety and Health
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health, especially on college students, who faced disruptions to their education and social environments. This study explores the mental health effects of the pandemic on students at Murray State University, focusing on changes in anxiety, depression, relationships, and academic performance. Using survey data collected from students in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and the Nursing Program, the study aims to understand the trends across pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. The findings show a significant increase in anxiety and depression during the pandemic, with effects lasting post-pandemic, alongside differences in how students from various demographics experienced the pandemic’s challenges. The results highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health resources on campuses and the implications for workforce readiness as this generation transitions into professional roles. The study also identifies opportunities for future research on the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic and their relevance to workforce development, contributing to initiatives like the NIOSH Total Worker Health.
Included in
Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons
Reshaping Resilience Mental Health Challenges in Post-Pandemic Students and Workforce Readiness
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health, especially on college students, who faced disruptions to their education and social environments. This study explores the mental health effects of the pandemic on students at Murray State University, focusing on changes in anxiety, depression, relationships, and academic performance. Using survey data collected from students in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and the Nursing Program, the study aims to understand the trends across pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. The findings show a significant increase in anxiety and depression during the pandemic, with effects lasting post-pandemic, alongside differences in how students from various demographics experienced the pandemic’s challenges. The results highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health resources on campuses and the implications for workforce readiness as this generation transitions into professional roles. The study also identifies opportunities for future research on the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic and their relevance to workforce development, contributing to initiatives like the NIOSH Total Worker Health.