Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Schott, Erik

Abstract

The present study examines how stress from the aftermath of the pandemic has affected college student depression. Using qualitative methods, ten college students voluntarily participated in recorded interviews. During these interviews students shared how the return to normality affected their experiences with depression, and the experiences of other students on campus. The study examined coping mechanisms to their adaptations, student’s individual stories, the effects that were viewed on campus, and their experiences during this transition. Students also completed the PHQ-2 and brief questions from the perceived stress scale. During the completion of the PHQ-2, 60% of students reported to have felt down/depressed in the past two weeks at least once a week, 90% students reported to have felt tired or have little energy at least 3 times a week in the past two weeks, and 80% of students reported to have felt trouble concentrating at least once a week in the past two weeks. When answering questions from the perceived stress scale, all students reported to have felt nervous or stressed at least twice a month, and 80% of students reported to have felt no control over the important things in their life. 90% of students shared that they believed that the aftermath of the pandemic affected students’ depression in various ways (changes in communication, environment, and routine). The students provided insight into the aftermath of the pandemics effect on students and how these effects have changed students’ experiences.

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