CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Examining Mental Health and Self-Image after High School and COVID-19
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology/ABA Track
Minor
Spanish
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Humanities
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Esther Malm, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Examining Mental Health and Self-Image after High School and COVID-19
The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), more commonly referred to as COVID-19, caused a worldwide shutdown in all areas of social significance. From this worldwide pandemic, an emergence of mental health problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) have been recorded and studied. More specifically, college students in high school during the emergence of COVID-19 have seen a spike in mental health problems. This spike in mental health problems should be noticed specifically during the transition from high school to college. The transition between a student’s senior year of high school and freshman year of college is the time in a young person's life where most people get a taste of adulthood and independence. This transition radically changes the way most people see themselves, either from a child to an adult, or as an escape from their previous lives. While it is obvious that there are changes to the self perception, the question remains: Is the self image of a college freshman more positive than their self image from their senior year of high school? This should be explained by the loosening of parental control and expectations, as well as a fresh environment for the student. The purpose of this study, therefore, is two-pronged; researchers will examine the gaps in research focusing on the shift in mental health outcomes after the COVID-19 pandemic among current college students and their self-image. Researchers examine the general mental health status of college freshman and other college students. It is hypothesized that college freshmen will have a more positive self image compared to their senior year of high school, and in turn their current general mental health will be significantly better than mental health statuses during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection and analysis is still ongoing and will be discussed further during Scholar’s Week, with an estimated 100 participants. We will use a dependent t-test to compare scores and discover any significant changes between the summed scores. Currently, we have 81 participants with 19 being male and 59 being female.
Keywords: Mental Health, Self Image, COVID-19, High School
Fall Scholars Week 2023 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Examining Mental Health and Self-Image after High School and COVID-19
Examining Mental Health and Self-Image after High School and COVID-19
The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), more commonly referred to as COVID-19, caused a worldwide shutdown in all areas of social significance. From this worldwide pandemic, an emergence of mental health problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) have been recorded and studied. More specifically, college students in high school during the emergence of COVID-19 have seen a spike in mental health problems. This spike in mental health problems should be noticed specifically during the transition from high school to college. The transition between a student’s senior year of high school and freshman year of college is the time in a young person's life where most people get a taste of adulthood and independence. This transition radically changes the way most people see themselves, either from a child to an adult, or as an escape from their previous lives. While it is obvious that there are changes to the self perception, the question remains: Is the self image of a college freshman more positive than their self image from their senior year of high school? This should be explained by the loosening of parental control and expectations, as well as a fresh environment for the student. The purpose of this study, therefore, is two-pronged; researchers will examine the gaps in research focusing on the shift in mental health outcomes after the COVID-19 pandemic among current college students and their self-image. Researchers examine the general mental health status of college freshman and other college students. It is hypothesized that college freshmen will have a more positive self image compared to their senior year of high school, and in turn their current general mental health will be significantly better than mental health statuses during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection and analysis is still ongoing and will be discussed further during Scholar’s Week, with an estimated 100 participants. We will use a dependent t-test to compare scores and discover any significant changes between the summed scores. Currently, we have 81 participants with 19 being male and 59 being female.
Keywords: Mental Health, Self Image, COVID-19, High School