Prior and Concurrent Stress in College Students During COVID-19

This study was developed in response to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic by students in an advanced undergraduate psychology class on the developmental cognitive neuroscience of trauma and stress. The overall goal of the study was to examine how prior childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and other family stressors influence college students' responses to a global pandemic and associated social isolation. The study aimed to describe the trauma experiences of college students prior to COVID-19 and examine how those experiences relate to mental health functioning during COVID-19. Data were collected starting in April and May of 2020. 

Time Period:  4/14/2020 – 6/17/2020 (Spring 2020)

Universe:  Current college students enrolled in four year or two year colleges.

Data Type:    survey data

Collection Notes:    Data were collected as part of a class project and are a convenience sample.

Response Rate:  917 individuals responded to the survey with 715 indicating they were current college students at a two-year or four-year college and completing more than 2% of the survey.

Sampling:  A convenience sample of college students recruited through links shared via email and online groups of college-age youth.

Collection Mode:   web-based survey

Scales:   All scales were created by students between March and April 2020 in the domains of mental health, cognition and sleep, and resilience and coping. Basic demographic information and social support were also obtained.