Emotional Experiences Among College Students Returning to Campus Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kryzsko Commons Ballroom

Introduction: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been over two million confirmed cases. Of those cases, the majority (57.4%) occurred among young adults aged 18–24 years old (CDC, 2021).Although existing research demonstrates that following recommended health behaviors (e.g., vaccinations, hand washing, social distancing) reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19,less research has explored the emotional experiences of young adults returning to campusduringtheCOVID19 pandemic. The experiences of young adults during this time frame are important to study as they are going through natural shifts in their lives. Changes due to COVID in their routines, education, employment have had significant effects on the emotional well-being of young adults. The long-term effects of these changes are unknown, but opinions and experiences of COVID-19 in the eyes of young adults can help us understand their willingness to engage in preventative health behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to qualitatively explore the emotional experiences of college students as they returned back to campus in the Fall of 2020. Methods: Participants were college students (N=24) who participated in focus groups held in July and August 2020. Questions about COVID-19 experiences and returning to campus during a pandemic were discussed. Data were qualitatively analyzed for themes. Results: Participants expressed a variety of emotional experiences ranging from concern about themselves and others, to anxiety and uncertainty about COVID-related changes. A commonly expressed emotion was one of loss; loss of academic, social, and community experiences. Participants also expressed loss of control over their environments and fear regarding others’ behaviors. Stress and the challenge of coping with COVID-related demands was also frequently described. Despite many negative emotions, participants also expressed some degree of understanding and acceptance about needed changes and that they felt safe returning to campus. Discussion: Overall, results demonstrate that emotional experiences varied, and at times, was subjective. Loss was an underlying, common experience, especially for college students who have many diverse opportunities. Loss seemed to play a strong role in affecting others lives and other emotional experiences. Coping skills also varied, especially under conditions where participants felt stressed by the ongoing need to manage new skills and behaviors related to COVID-19. Overall, participants concern surrounding COVID-19 was for others and not themselves. Despite the myriad of emotions, students indicated that they felt safe returning to campus.