The Impact of Virtual vs. In-Person Learning on Mental Health Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic Öffentlichkeit
Belak, Lauren (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Background: While concerns about COVID-19’s impact on adolescent mental health have been raised, few have investigated how psychological outcomes compare between remote and in-person learners. This study examined levels of depression and anxiety among virtual and in-person 10th-graders, and how these outcomes varied by race, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Methods: Racially and socioeconomically diverse students (n=402) from two high schools in semi-rural Georgia completed a one-time survey in Fall 2020. Results were linked to demographic data provided by the school district. Bivariate analyses assessed for associations between demographics and mental health outcomes, and logistic regression analyses identified predictors of anxiety and depression.
Results: Average depression levels were significantly higher among virtual than in-person learners (p <.0051). 53% of virtual and 40% of in-person learners experienced moderate-severe depression (p < .0469). Overall, Multiracial, Black, and Hispanic students reported the highest rates of moderate-severe depression, and more minority learners, females, and students eligible for reduced-cost lunch experienced depressive symptoms than their counterparts. Fewer than 20% of all students experienced moderate-extreme anxiety, and there were no significant differences in anxiety levels by learning modality, race, or socioeconomic status. Female sex remained the only significant predictor of depression (OR= 2.91, 95% CI [1.67, 4.66]) and anxiety (OR= 2.92, 95% CI [1.76, 4.85]) after controlling for learning modality, race, and socioeconomic status.
Conclusion: As one of the first to assess self-reported, mental health outcomes among high school students learning virtually and in-person during COVID-19, our findings suggest levels of depression have been particularly high among female, virtual, lower-income, and minority 10th-graders. The pandemic’s effects on high-school youth warrant enhanced mental health screening and tailored interventions to support the psychological well-being of our most vulnerable students both now and in the future.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
I. Introduction..................................................................................................................1
Research Questions………………………………………………………………..5
II. Methods……………………………………………………………………….………6
A. Study Design...………………………………………..…………………….....6
B. Study Sample………………………………………………….……………....6
C. Data Sources…………………………………………………………...……...7
D. Data Measures……………………………………………………..…………..8
E. Statistical Analyses…………………………………………………………..10
III. Results…………………………………………………………………………….....11
IV. Discussion…………………………………………………………………………...13
A. Strengths and Limitations…………………………...……………………….17
B. Future Directions………………………………………...…………………..18
C. Implications……………………………………………………………...…...20
V. References…………………………………………………………………………...21
VI. Tables and Figures
Figure 1…………………………………………………………………………..25
Table 1…………………………………………………………………………...26
Table 2…………………………………………………………………………...27
Table 3…………………………………………………………………………...28
Table 4…………………………………………………………………………...29
Table 5…………………………………………………………………………...30
Table 6…………………………………………………………………………...31
Table 7…………………………………………………………………………...32
Table 8…………………………………………………………………………...33
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