Publication Date

5-2024

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Carl Myers, Sarah Bonis, Amanda Thorn

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Specialist in Education

Abstract

The educational setting serves as an influential force when considering the impacts that school can have on student mental health. Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, research revealed negative effects on mental health for a variety of populations across the globe; however, comprehensive reviews about the effect that the pandemic had on the mental health of American K-12 students are limited. Consequently, the purpose of this specialist project is to evaluate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of American students in grades K-12 through a review of literature. Utilizing PRISMA procedures, 19 articles were selected for inclusion. Research indicated that K-12 American students experienced worsening mental health following the onset of the pandemic, with increases in anxiety and depression found across demographic populations. Female students, minority students, and students from lower socioeconomic status households were found to be at an increased risk of experiencing these adverse mental health effects. Increased feelings of connectedness to family or school served as a protective factor against developing severe anxious or depressive symptoms. These findings will allow school psychologists a more intricate understanding of the effects that the pandemic had on student mental health, which can allow them to better prepare to meet the psychological needs of their students in the wake of the pandemic.

Disciplines

Education | Other Education | Other Psychology | Psychology | School Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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