Connection, desperation and disillusionment : exploring student wellbeing at a university in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Authors

De Jager, Sarina

Journal Title

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Publisher

University of the Free State

Abstract

University students’ mental health and wellbeing has been a global public health issue of increasing concern in recent years, with a growing body of empirical evidence suggesting university students are a ‘very high-risk population’ for mental disorders and psychological distress. Pre-existing mental health challenges among university students have consequently been compounded by the global COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 20 students registered in the education faculty at a large urban university in South Africa participated in a Photovoice study. The research required them to capture three photos or images of their experiences of wellbeing during the pandemic. The findings showed that students experienced mental health concerns and disillusionment with higher education. Their wellbeing was associated with a sense of connection with themselves, their peers and the campus space, and the cultivation of resilience.

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Keywords

Well-being, COVID-19 pandemic, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Photovoice, PERMA model, Higher education, SDG-03: Good health and well-being, SDG-04: Quality education, Mental health, University students

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Citation

De Jager, S. (2023). Connection, desperation and disillusionment : exploring student wellbeing at a university in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perspectives in Education, 41(1), 38-55. https://doi.org/10.38140/pie.v41i1.6140.