Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Li, Yawen
Abstract
New literature has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has grown the prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst college students (University Communications, 2021). The purpose of this research study was to further explore how the sudden restrictions and isolation protocols enforced and caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health symptoms amongst MSW students. The study sample consisted of social work students who were 18 years old or older and who were enrolled in a Master of Social Work Program at some point in time during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
This study was conducted using a post-positivism approach and by obtaining qualitative data from interviews to determine whether the mental health of MSW students was affected during the pandemic. The data were analyzed using a bottom-up approach and axial coding to reveal common themes regarding the mental health of MSW students. Common overall characteristics that were found in this study included increased anxiety and increased depression symptoms. The study also highlights a theme of isolation, which led to the increase in mental health symptoms. This research study gives professionals further understanding of how Master of Social Work students were affected by a modern pandemic and gives a better understanding of how to support social work students experiencing similar circumstances.
Recommended Citation
Barajas, Cassandra, "COVID-19, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND MSW STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH" (2024). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 1961.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1961