COMPARATIVE STUDY OF STRESS AMONG

COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID- 19

PANDEMIC
A
DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO
GOVERNMENT AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, PANPOSH, ROURKELA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT AS A REQUIREMENT FOR
THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

BATCH – 2018-2021
UNDER GUIDANCE SUBMITTED BY
MR. DHABALESH KUMAR HOTA TRUPTI MAYEE ROUT
MA, MPHIL, DCGC BA IN PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY IN PSYCHOLOGY ROLL NO. - 18PSY048
GOVT. (AUTO) COLLEGE,RKL. GOVT.(AUTO) COLLEGE,RKL

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
GOVT. AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, PANPOSH, ROURKELA-04
 CERTIFICATE
MR. DHABALESH KUMAR HOTA
Faulty in Psychology
Government Autonomous College
Rourkela-769004

This is to certificate that Miss.Trupti Mayee Rout , a student of BA 6 th semester

of department of psychology bearing Roll No. 18PSY048, Govt. Autonomous
College, has completed her dissertation entitled under my guidance. This is an
original research work and not published less aware.

I wish good and bright success his/her future.

Signature of Guidance
 DECLARATION
I miss Trupti Mayee Rout do here by declared that the dissertation entitled has been
written by me under the guidance of Mr. Dhabalesh kumar Hota submitted
department psychology Government Autonomous college, Panposh, RKL-4 in partial
fulfillment of BA in psychology.

Miss Trupti Mayee Rout

BA in Psychology
Roll no-48
Govt.Autonomous college,
Panposh RKL-4
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Research of any is not one man’s task. It needs cooperation and help from others both
directly And indirectly. Therefore, I have no hesitation in acknowledging the help and
prop received me An opportunity to record my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to them.
It’s my humble privilege to acknowledge my deep gratitude to my loving teacher Mr.
Dhabalesh Kumar Hota, and department of Psychology, Government Autonomous
College, Sambalpur University for his constant intellectual support, and exemplary
guidance and valuable Suggestions all through my effort. Along with my thesis
supervisor I would like to express my Gratitude to Mrs. Anima C. Kindo, Miss Jyotirekha
Dwibedi, Miss Reetu Patra, Madan Sir. Their Guidance and support encouraged me a
lot.
I am thankful to all the participants who dedicated their valuable time to answer the
Questionnaire and make this research a successful one.
I would like to express my thanks to my friends who have been a const ant source of
support all Throughout the preparation of this paper.
First and foremost, I must thank my parents for their love and support throughout my
life.

Trupti Mayee Rout

BA in Psychology (6 th sem)
Roll no-18PSY048
Government Autonomous College, Panposh, Rourkela
 ABSTRACT

It is claimed that the Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a negative
impact on mental health. However, to date, perspective studies are lacking .
Moreover it is important to identify which factors modulate the stress response to
the pandemic. Previously the stress of coherence (SOC) has emerged as a particularly
important resistance factor.
 CONTENTS

Chapter Description Page No.

Chapter -1 Introduction 1-18

Chapter -2 Review of Literature 19-22

Chapter -3 Objective of Study 23-24

Chapter -4 Hypothesis of Study 25-26

Chapter -5 Method of Study 27-28

Chapter -6 Result Table 29-31

Chapter -7 Discussion and Conclusion 32-33

Chapter -8 Limitation and Future Implications 34-35

Chapter -9 Reference 36-40

Chapter -10 Appendix 40-41

 CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

1
 The impact of covid 19 pandemic on mental health is complex,diverse and wide
ranging, affecting all parts of societies and population. Currently all of us are
experiencing emotions, thoughts and situation we have never experienced before.

A pandemic is not just a medical phenomenon; it affects individuals and society

and causes disruption, anxiety, stress, stigma, and xenophobia. The behavior of an
individual as a unit of society or a community has marked effects on the dynamics of a
pandemic that involves the level of severity, degree of flow, and aftereffects. 1 Rapid
human‐to‐human transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 resulted in the enforcement of
regional lockdowns to stem the further spread of the disease. Isolation, social
distancing, and closure of educational institutes, workplaces, and entertainment
venues consigned people to stay in their homes to help break the chain of transmission.
2 However, the restrictive measures undoubtedly have affected the social and mental
health of individuals from across the board.

As more and more people are forced to stay at home in self‐isolation to prevent
the further flow of the pathogen at the societal level, governments must take the
necessary measures to provide mental health support as prescribed by the experts.
Professor Tiago Correia highlighted in his editorial as the health systems worldwide are
assembling exclusively to fight the COVID‐19 outbreak, which can drastically affect the
management of other diseases including mental health, which usually exacerbates
during the pandemic. The psychological state of an individual that contributes toward
the community health varies from person‐toperson and depends on his background
and professional and social standings.

Quarantine and self‐isolation can most likely cause a negative impact on one’s
mental health. A review published in The Lancet said that the separation from loved
ones, loss of freedom, boredom, and uncertainty can cause a deterioration in an
individual’s mental health status. 6 To overcome this, measures at the individual and

2
societal levels are required. Under the current global situation, both children and
adults are experiencing a mix of emotions. They can be placed in a situation or an
environment that may be new and can be potentially damaging to their health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services
in 93% of countries worldwide while the demand for mental health is increasing,
according to a new WHO survey. The survey of 130 countries provides the first global
data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services
and underscores the urgent need for increased funding.

The survey was published ahead of WHO’s Big Event for Mental Health ̶ a global
online advocacy event on 10 October that will bring together world leaders, celebrities,
and advocates to call for increased mental health investments in the wake of COVID-
19.

WHO has previously highlighted the chronic underfunding of mental health: prior
to the pandemic, countries were spending less than 2 per cent of their national health
budgets on mental health, and struggling to meet their populations’ needs.

And the pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services.

Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions
or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol
and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety. Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to
neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People
with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more
vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes
and even death.

“Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being,”

said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health
Organization. “COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the
world just when they’re needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to
3
invest more in life-saving mental health programmes ̶ during the pandemic and
beyond.”

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease of 2019) pandemic has impacted the lives of
millions of people around the world and is likely to result in mental health problems
among those with no previous mental illness as well as exacerbate the condition of
those with pre-existing mental health problems/disorders. Mental health problems are
likely to begin early and continue after the pandemic is over. Experience of the disease,
breakdown of social support and stigma are possible causes of short-term mental
health problems while factors such as economic losses can potentially cause long-term
mental health issues.

Several recently published articles have documented the mental health impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic on different target populations along with available and
acceptable modalities for preventing and treating these problems/disorders.

Marked declines in population mental health were observed in several countries

after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In eight countries (China, Spain, Italy, Iran,
USA, Turkey, Nepal, and Denmark), relatively high rates of anxiety disorder, depression,
post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress, and stress have been reported
since the start of the pandemic.1 Using a random sample with prepandemic data, we
previously reported that the prevalence of clinically significant levels of mental distress
was 50% higher than before the pandemic a month after lockdown measures were
introduced in the UK (April, 2020).

As the pandemic develops, interest is turning to how changing circumstances

have affected people’s mental health and whether early indicators herald persistently
poor mental health and subsequent increasing unmet clinical need. Studies assessing
mental health trends since the beginning of the pandemic have reported symptoms of
anxiety disorder, depression, and loneliness steadily improving since May, 2020.3, 4,
5 However, these studies have methodological problems relating to sampling,

4
adjustment, and mental health measures. First, these studies used convenience
samples, which means they cannot be adjusted properly for sampling bias and are thus
considered poor tools for estimating population statistics.6, 7 Second, many studies
have considerable attrition over time, and individuals with poor mental health are
more susceptible to dropout,8 resulting in an overoptimistic assessment of mental
health trends. Third, many studies used mental health indicators that were limited to
symptoms occurring only in the past week.9 A clinical diagnosis of anxiety disorder or
a depressive episode require symptoms to be consistently present for at least the past
2 weeks—otherwise, fluctuation in psychological distress commonly seen in healthy
populations might become overstated as clinical illness. Most studies do not have
comparable pre-pandemic data,10 which is important to understand whether the
acute increases in mental distress in the population returned to pre-pandemic levels
after the initial shock of its onset. Furthermore, the average trajectory for the whole
population could mask varied responses to the pandemic—some groups might have
remained or become increasingly vulnerable.

There are crucial questions for public mental health concerning whether new
disparities have emerged in population mental health and, if so, whose mental health
has been poor during the pandemic. Understanding these questions is key to delivering
preventive interventions for those at the highest risk, identifying where unmet clinical
need might lie, and anticipating additional referrals for services. Common risk factors
for mental health deterioration in the initial phase of the pandemic have been
reported, including being a woman, being younger (≤40 years), having a chronic
physical or mental illness, being unemployed, and having frequent exposure to social
media or news coverage of COVID-19.1 Most of these risk factors were associated with
poor mental health before COVID-19. In the early phases of the pandemic, young
people, women, and parents living with preschool children saw greater than average
decreases in mental health (measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire
[GHQ-12]) compared with results of pre-pandemic studies.2 Whether these groups and

5
characteristics are associated with sustained psychological distress as the pandemic
has continued remains unclear. Additionally, although some of the determinants of
worsening mental health might have receded after the early shock of pandemic onset
and initial easing of national lockdown, some might have persisted, for example,
infection with SARS-CoV-2,11 localised containment measures, and financial insecurity.

We used a large, longitudinal panel sample, which was

representative of the adult UK general population, with the overall aim of describing
population trends in mental health during the first 6 months of the pandemic, overall
and by age and gender.
Long term effects on mental health:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health on a large
scale. According to an August 2020 review Trusted Source, many people felt an
increase in stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in response to the
pandemic.
Some factors that can contribute to mental health difficulties during the pandemic
include:
• Isolation and loneliness
• Difficulty working or the loss of employment
• Financial struggles

• Severe or lasting illnesses

• Preexisting mental or physical health conditions
• Emergency medical treatment
• Grief and bereavement
The impact of these experiences can be lasting, particularly if
someone has experienced extreme or persistent distress. This could cause
psychological trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Research Trusted Source also shows that people can experience
severe stress while using a ventilator, due to their dependence on the machine to
breathe. Some people also develop depressive disorders after ventilator treatment.
Most people who develop coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)
recover within 2–6 weeks, but some experience lasting symptoms. Others with severe

6
COVID-19 may develop complications, require rehabilitation after a hospital stay, or
both.
In addition to the physical impact of COVID-19, people may also
experience changes in their mental health.
As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world, it is
inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern in the population at large
and among certain groups in particular, such as older adults, care providers and
people with underlying health conditions.
In public mental health terms, the main psychological impact to
date is elevated rates of stress or anxiety. But as new measures and impacts are
introduced – especially quarantine and its effects on many people’s usual activities,
routines or livelihoods – levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol and drug
use, and self-harm or suicidal behaviour are also expected to rise.
In populations already heavily affected, such as Lombardy in Italy,
issues of service access and continuity for people with developing or existing mental
health conditions are also now a major concern, along with the mental health and
well-being of front-line workers.
As part of its public health response, WHO has worked with partners
to develop a set of new materials on the mental health and psycho-social support
aspects of COVID-19.

❖ Covid 19 and its impact on mental health India:

The pre-COVID-19 scenario for mental health in India was already a
cause for deep concern. One in seven Indians has mental disorders of varying
severity, with Indians accounting for almost one quarter of global suicide deaths.
Healthcare delivery organizations are fully seized of the enormity of the
mental health toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is well known that COVID-19 extracts a huge toll on the mental health
of patients and leaves behind a slew of neurological sequel in its wake. The
magnitude of the problem was brought into focus in an article published last w eek in
a journal with one of the highest impact factors in the world. Dr Maxime Taquet and
his co-workers analyzed data from an electronic database comprising 81 million
health records, and presented their findings in The Lancet. They found that the

7
incidence of 14 neurological and psychiatric disorders ranging from bleeding into the
brain to psychosis occurred in more than a third of 236,379 persons who tested
positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the preceding six months. Predictably, the more serious
consequences were seen in patients who had severe illness requiring hospitalization,
and even more in those admitted in intensive care units. However, what is alarming is
the wide gamut of mental and neurological disorders seen even those with milder
symptoms. Such patients frequently reported being anxious, depressed and having
difficulty in sleeping. A higher incidence of frank psychosis manifesting as
disorganization of thought processes and personality disorders was also reported.
Many survivors of COVID19 had to battle substance abuse in its immediate aftermath.
There was a steep increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by regular drinkers.
Persons who had stopped smoking and consuming alcohol resumed their habit in
disconcerting numbers. The occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders like
Parkinsonism is alarming as this would portend long-term disability in the form of
impaired mobility and memory decline.
It has been hypothesized that the causative mechanism for many of the
neurological sequelae COVID-19 may be the direct invasion of the nervous system by
the virus, an increased tendency to blood clotting or an exaggerated immune
response by the body. Various other factors like pre-existing psychiatric illness,
prolonged quarantine, perceived lack of organizational support, and social stigma are
risk factors. Anxiety, Nervousness, and Post-traumatic stress disorder are often
fuelled by fear of infecting other family members, physical distancing, loneliness, and
confinement at home in cramped quarters. Patients are often bothered by
inconsistent messages and directives regarding public health measures such as
wearing face masks, visors, gloves, hand washing, surface decontamination, and
mode of transmission of the virus. Various psycho-social factors such as lockdown,
economic hardship, and job insecurity, shortage of essential resources, diminished
personal freedom and constant media barrage about the Pandemic contribute in no
small measure to the high incidence of psychiatric disorders in COVID-19 survivors.
Adverse psychological outcomes include anger, social isolation, and excessive
preoccupation with imaginary bodily symptoms. In extreme situations, such patients
are driven to suicidal ideation.
Older patients, patients with compromised immunity and those with chronic
diseases like diabetes and hypertension are more susceptible. Among patients with
preexisting illnesses, deterioration often occurs due to lack of access to routine

8
medical care. Patients with preexisting psychiatric illnesses often have relapses
necessitating higher doses of medication.
The pandemic has radically transformed the way businesses are run and
services delivered. Remote working disrupts a healthy-work life balance. Face to face
contact and human interactions which were considered so essential for emotional
well-being have taken a backseat. Lack of comforting physical contact like shaking
hands and hugging friends is stressful and disconcerting.
Online classes and home-schooling have placed a tremendous burden both
on students and parents. Lack of access to reliable computer hardware and spotty
internet connections, particularly in rural areas and in the economically backward
have created a new class divide. Children have been deprived of co-curricular
activities, participation in group events and sports which is essential for their holistic
development. Mental stress and fatigue have increased manyfold due to the rigours
imposed by virtual learning.
The elderly in our society and those in care homes have become
particularly vulnerable to emotional breakdown due to isolation and loneliness. Many
of them feel neglected and helpless.
The level of domestic violence has risen alarmingly worldwide. According
to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Eastern Mediterranean Region has one
of the highest prevalence of violence against women worldwide (37%). The risk has
risen significantly during the pandemic as family members spend more time in close
contact and household stress intensifies. The problem is compounded when families
must also cope with potential economic or job losses. As Covid-19 cases surges across
the globe, stay-at-home orders have been put in place, schools closed, and many
workers have been furloughed, laid off, or told to work from home. With personal
movement limited and people confined to their homes, there has been a dramatic
rise in intimate partner violence (IPV). Stay-at-home orders, intended to protect the
public and prevent widespread infection, has left many IPV victims trapped with their
abusers. One in 4 women and one in 10 men experience IPV. Violence can take
various forms – it can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological. People of all
races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic classes, and religions

9
experience IPV. It is serious enough that some observers call it a pandemic within a
pandemic.

❖ Causes of impact of covid 19 mental health:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress, anxiety and worry for many
individuals, arising both from the disease itself and from response measures such as
social distancing and lockdowns. Common causes of psychological stress during
pandemics include, fear of falling ill and dying, avoiding health care due to fear of
being infected while in care, fear of losing work and livelihoods, fear of being socially
excluded, fear of being placed in quarantine, feeling of powerlessness in protecting
oneself and loved ones, fear of being separated from loved ones and caregivers,
refusal to care for vulnerable individuals due to fear of infection, feelings of
helplessness, lack of self-esteem to do anything in daily life, boredom, loneliness, and
depression due to being isolated, and fear of re-living the experience of a previous
pandemic.
In addition to these problems, COVID-19 can cause additional
psychological responses, such as, risk of being infected when the transmission mode
of COVID19 is not 100% clear, common symptoms of other health problems being
mistaken for COVID-19, increased worry about children being at home alone (during
school shutdowns, etc.) while parents have to be at work, and risk of det erioration of
physical and mental health of vulnerable individuals if care support is not in place.
Frontline workers, such as doctors and nurses may experience additional
mental health problems. Stigmatization towards working with COVID-19 patients,
stress from using strict biosecurity measures (such as physical strain of protective
equipment, need for constant awareness and vigilance, strict procedures to follow,
preventing autonomy, physical isolation making it difficult to provide comfort to the
sick), higher demands in the work setting, reduced capacity to use social support due
to physical distancing and social stigma, insufficient capacity to give self-care,
insufficient knowledge about the long-term exposure to individuals infected with
COVID-19, and fear that they could pass infection to their loved ones can put
frontline workers in additional stress.
COVID-19 not only causes physical health concerns but also results in a
number of psychological disorders. The spread of the new coronavirus can impact the
mental health of people in different communities. Thus, it is essential to preserve the

10
mental health of individuals and to develop psychological interventions that can
improve the mental health of vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats,
and at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown. So it is normal and
understandable that people are experiencing fear in the context of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Added to the fear of contracting the virus in a pandemic such as
COVID-19 are the significant changes to our daily lives as our movements are
restricted in support of efforts to contain and slow down the spread of the virus.
Faced with new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home -
schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends
and colleagues, it is important that we look after our mental, as well as our physical,
health.
WHO, together with partners, is providing guidance and advice during the COVID19
pandemic for health workers, managers of health facilities, people who are looking
after children, older adults, people in isolation and members of the public more
generally, to help us look after our mental health.
Three major factors are impacting the population and may lead to mental health
problems:

1. The direct impact of the disease, particularly near-death experience during

illness, isolation from loved ones during hospitalization which is a grim
experience both for the family and the patients in most African communities,
stress from news about high death rates among the very ill and the highly
exposed (eg health care workers), loss of loved ones or parents/guardians and
stigma and discrimination among survivors and affected families. In particular,
mental health problems will disproportionately affect frontline health care
workers, COVID-19 survivors, families and children who have lost loved ones to
the disease and those with pre-existing mental disorders
2. Efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 through restricting and limiting
physical interactions may lead to limited access to social support structures,
inadequate supply of food and medication, limited access to treatment for
those with existing mental health problems as well as other chronic conditions,
restricted access to faith-based institutions and leaders due to the ban on
social gatherings, lack of access and support for those suffering from intimate

11
 partner violence or other forms of abuse. Most Sub-Saharan African
communities are structured traditionally with a strong community and
neighborhood focus and the main source of support and care for older people
is family. Hence, in most communities, older people are protected from the
calamities observed in care homes in high-income countries.
However, the physical distancing directives might lead to loneliness in some settings.

3. Uncertainty and stress resulting from loss of jobs and livelihoods. The stress of
losing jobs and livelihoods can be overwhelming for many but this is worse for
people of low socioeconomic status including those working in the informal
sector. Although several countries have put some measures in place to mitigate
the economic difficulties, the financial packages have been minimal, while
those working in informal businesses have not been eligible for any of the
government schemes.
The lockdown and the physical distancing measures are being debated and
questioned by many about their impact on the informal economy which provides a
livelihood for 60% of men, and nearly 75% of women and the majority of city dwellers
who rely on this economy for their day to day needs.Additionally, farmers are being
affected badly by lockdown measures as their perishable products are not reaching
the cities as expected. Executing lockdown and physical distancing measures without
sufficient mitigating measures to help informal businesses and individuals cope
economically will lead to uncertainty, loss of livelihood and financial strain which will
have a negative impact on mental health. In Sub Saharan Africa “Communal living is
not just about culture, it is a matter of economic survival”.
❖ Treatment of impact on the covid 19 mental health:

The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life,
and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation.
You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, whether you’ll
lose your job, and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and
misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and
loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can
worsen.
Surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report
symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression during the pandemic, compared wit h
surveys before the pandemic. Some people have increased their use of alcohol or
12
drugs, thinking that can help them cope with their fears about the pandemic. In
reality, using these substances can worsen anxiety and depression.
People with substance use disorders, notably those addicted to tobacco or opioids,
are likely to have worse outcomes if they get COVID-19. That’s because these
addictions can harm lung function and weaken the immune system, causing chronic
conditions such as heart disease and lung disease, which increase the risk of serious
complications from COVID-19.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to learn self-care strategies and get the care
you need to help you cope.
Self-care strategies:

Self-care strategies are good for your mental and physical health and can help you
take charge of your life. Take care of your body and your mind and connect with
others to benefit your mental health.

❖ Take care of your body

Be mindful about your physical health:

• Get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Stick close
to your typical schedule, even if you’re staying at home.
• Participate in regular physical activity. Regular physical activity and exercise
can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Find an activity that includes
movement, such as dance or exercise apps. Get outside in an area that makes it
easy to maintain distance from people, such as a nature trail or your own
backyard.
• Eat healthy. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and
refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress and anxiety.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. If you smoke tobacco or if you vape, you’re
already at higher risk of lung disease. Because COVID-19 affects the lungs, your
risk increases even more. Using alcohol to try to cope can make matters worse
and reduce your coping skills. Avoid taking drugs to cope, unless your doctor
prescribed medications for you.

13
 • Limit screen time. Turn off electronic devices for some time each day, including
30 minutes before bedtime. Make a conscious effort to spend less time in front
of a screen — television, tablet, computer and phone.
• Relax and recharge. Set aside time for yourself. Even a few minutes of quiet
time can be refreshing and help to quiet your mind and reduce anxiety. Many
people benefit from practices such as deep breathing, tai chi, yoga or
meditation. Soak in a bubble bath, listen to music, or read or listen to a book —
whatever helps you relax. Select a technique that works for you and practice it
regularly.

❖ Take care of your mind

Reduce stress triggers:

• Keep your regular routine. Maintaining a regular schedule is important to your
mental health. In addition to sticking to a regular bedtime routine, keep
consistent times for meals, bathing and getting dressed, work or study
schedules, and exercise. Also set aside time for activities you enjoy. This
predictability can make you feel more in control.
• Limit exposure to news media. Constant news about COVID-19 from all types
of media can heighten fears about the disease. Limit social media that may
expose you to rumors and false information. Also limit reading, hearing or
watching other news, but keep up to date on national and local
recommendations. Look for reliable sources, such as the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization
(WHO).
• Stay busy. A distraction can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts
that feed anxiety and depression. Enjoy hobbies that you can do at home,
identify a new project or clean out that closet you promised you’d get to. Doing
something positive to manage anxiety is a healthy coping strategy.
• Focus on positive thoughts. Choose to focus on the positive things in your life,
instead of dwelling on how bad you feel. Consider starting each day by listing
things you are thankful for. Maintain a sense of hope, work to accept changes
as they occur and try to keep problems in perspective.
• Use your moral compass or spiritual life for support. If you draw strength from
a belief system, it can bring you comfort during difficult times.

14
 • Set priorities. Don’t become overwhelmed by creating a life-changing list of
things to achieve while you’re home. Set reasonable goals each day and outline
steps you can take to reach those goals. Give yourself credit for every step in
the right direction, no matter how small. And recognize that some days will be
better than others.

❖ Connect with others

Build support and strengthen relationships:

• Make connections. If you need to stay at home and distance yourself from
others, avoid social isolation. Find time each day to make virtual connections by
email, texts, phone, or FaceTime or similar apps. If you’re working remotely
from home, ask your co-workers how they’re doing and share coping tips. Enjoy
virtual socializing and talking to those in your home.
• Do something for others. Find purpose in helping the people around you. For
example, email, text or call to check on your friends, family members and
neighbors — especially those who are elderly. If you know someone who can’t
get out, ask if there’s something needed, such as groceries or a prescription
picked up, for instance. But be sure to follow CDC, WHO and your government
recommendations on social distancing and group meetings.
• Support a family member or friend. If a family member or friend needs to be
isolated for safety reasons or gets sick and needs to be quarantined at home or
in the hospital, come up with ways to stay in contact. This could be through
electronic devices or the telephone or by sending a note to brighten the day,
for example.

As mentioned above, the toll of COVID-19 isn’t entirely physical. But it’s
possible to manage this emotional burden in healthy and productive ways.

These tips can help make it easier to cope with this pandemic and the rapid
changes it may bring:

15
 ➢ Prepare, don’t panic
Making preparations for quarantine or self-isolation may provide a sense of control
and relief. While it’s not a bad idea to prepare for this possibility, consider that over -
preparing—panic buying, if you will—may prevent other people in your area from
accessing needed resource.
Most disaster recommendations encourage stocking up on two weeks’ worth of basic
supplies and nonperishable food items. Avoid buying more than that, unless
absolutely needed, in order to allow others to make the same preparations. This is
particularly important if you live in a small town with few grocery options.
➢ Practice mindful exposure
Keeping yourself informed on facts about the virus and new updates from federal and
state governing agencies is recommended. It’s important to know what’s going on,
and hearing about relief coming to your area can help relieve some of your stress.
That said, Dr. Franco cautions against “consuming every piece of media on the virus.”
Constant exposure to media can increase tension and stress and quickly become
overwhelming. She recommends seeking out trusted sources, like the CDC and World
Health Organization (WHO). “Follow their recommended protocols to maintain
hygiene and cleanliness,” she says.
➢ Stay social
Large gatherings may be banned in many areas, but that doesn’t mean you have to
forego contact entirely. If you don’t live in a high-risk area, you’re likely safe to
interact with a friend or loved one, as long as neither of you have known exposure. If
you’re concerned, try social distancing—avoid locations with a lot of other people
and maintain a distance of six feet while you spend time together.
“If you do feel uneasy,” Franco says, “limit in-person interactions, ask if you can work
from home, or take time off if possible. Do what makes you most comfortable.”
You can also use digital platforms like Skype, Messenger, and WhatsApp to keep in
touch with friends and family around the globe. Even if you can’t spend time together
face-to-face, it’s important to maintain connection with your loved ones. Physical
isolation may be necessary, but total isolation is not.
➢ Practice good self-care habits

16
If you enjoy regular exercise, not being able to get out of your house for a workout or
run can add to your stress and anxiety. Exercise helps relieve mental health
symptoms for many, so forced idleness can cause a lot of distress.
If you’re in good health, you might try things like:
• Running laps around your house, up and down stairs, in your backyard, or
around your apartment complex
• Following an online workout video (YouTube has plenty of options, whether
you use workout equipment or not)
• Reading up on simple stretches and gentle calisthenics.
• Comfort food might seem appealing, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying
your favorite meal or some junk food. But try to eat a balanced diet as much as
possible, including plenty of whole foods and fresh produce, as long as you
have access. These foods can help promote wellness in body and mind. If you’re
having trouble purchasing food for your family, look into community resources
from your local schools. Many affected areas are stepping up nutrition
programs to feed hungry families during this time.
You might have trouble sleeping, but try to maintain a normal sleep schedule as
much as possible. Avoiding technology, particularly news and other media, for at
least an hour before bedtime, can be very helpful.
Dr. Franco also recommends meditation, deep breathing exercises, and other
relaxation techniques. These practices can offer relief from stress and help you get
better sleep.
➢ A warm bath Aromatherapy (scented candles, essential oils or relaxing herbs, a
bubble bath, or anything else you have on hand that provides a soothing
fragrance)
➢ A calming mantra Being outdoors, especially in good weather, can also offer
health benefits, so get outside as much as possible, as long as you aren’t sick or
potentially sick. Sunlight and fresh air from your own backyard can still boost
your mood.
➢ Do things you enjoy If you’re staying at home, there is a bright side: You may
have an abundance of free time. Take advantage of this unexpected gift to
enjoy books, movies, board and video games with family, or crafts. Taking time
for enjoyable activities can not only offer a distraction, it can help keep your
spirits up.
Things to try:

17
 • Learn a new language with apps like Duolingo.
• Use YouTube videos to teach yourself a new skill, like knitting, baking, or
household repair.
• Catch up on spring cleaning or projects you haven’t had time for previously
• Pick up an old hobby, like art, music, or poetry writing.
• It’s normal to have some anxiety around what could happen. The current
situation is unprecedented, and uncertainty can cause a lot of fear. If you’re
having trouble staying positive, remember you’re not alone.
If you don’t have a therapist currently, consider reaching out to a tele mental health
provider who offers HIPAA-compliant support through email, video chat, or text
message. You can search for a provider from home usingGoodTherapy’s directory.
If you do have a therapist and need additional support, it’s worth reaching out to ask
if they offer HIPAA-compliant online counseling at this time.

18
 CHAPTER-2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

19
 The aim of this review is to identify the psychological impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on the health and Students more specifically to identify which sub-groups
are most vulnerable to psychological distress and to identify the risk and protective
factors associated with this population’s mental health.

Our review aimed to identify whether there were any groups particularly vulnerable
to poor mental health outcomes during COVID-19.

Christine Chan, Nicodemus Edrick Oey, E Tan

Brain, behavior, and immunity, 2020

As the world calls on everyone to work together collectively to identify potential

chinks in the amour of COVID-19 and to identify the optimal antibody test and
develop a vaccine (Holmes et al., 2020), let us not forget to consider the mental
health effects of COVID-19 on laboratory scientists, the very people fighting this
battle or their colleagues whose non-COVID-19 work have to be stopped abruptly
because of the pandemic.

Researchers scramble to balance personal career-driven goals and responsibilities to

the general public in battling the pandemic, but very little has been highlighted about
the mental health impact on biomedical scientists during this period.

International journal of environmental research and public health 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply altered social and
working environments in several ways. Social distancing policies, mandatory
lockdowns, isolation periods, and anxiety of getting sick, along with the suspension of
productive activity, loss of income, and fear of the future, jointly influence the mental
health of citizens and workers. Workplace aspects can play a crucial role on
moderating or worsening mental health of people facing this pandemic scenario. The
purpose of this literature review is to deepen the psychological aspects linked to

20
workplace factors, following the epidemic rise of COVID-19, in order to address
upcoming psychological critical issues in the workplaces.

With the global development of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the
psychological issues which accompany this pandemic have rapidly compounded its
public health burden (Torales et al., 2020)

Emerging research assessing the mental health implications of COVID-19 has

identified a heightened prevalence of moderate-to-severe self-reported depressive
and anxious symptomatology among the general public reflecting the widespread
effects of uncertainty and health-related fears. However, further research that
investigates beyond the population level is required to understand the individualized
disruption of lives and rou-tines as a result of COVID-19, and its associated psycho-
logical impacts. (Wang et al., 2020)

For college students, heightened levels of psychological distress and downstream

negative academic consequences are prevalent under normal circumstances
(American College Health Association, 2019).

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a significant impact on every aspect of

humanity. Its profound effect on the respiratory and circulatory systems has been
documented in severe levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Whilst the extent
to which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus
may adversely affect brain functioning remains under investigation, the impact on
psychiatric morbidity during similar previous outbreaks has been clear. (Sophia
Coveney, B.Sc.)

(P. Poorna Chandrika, director of Institute of Mental Health), stressed the need to
educate people. “The stigma… does have an impact on the mental well-being of
people. It makes them susceptible to distress, anxiety and sleeplessness.” The stigma
was more for healthcare workers.

21
(R. Mangala, assistant director of SCARF, said that) because of the stigma, some
have started to think that it was shameful to be infected with COVID-19. This also
depended on how an individual perceived the disease. “There is a lot more
misinformation on COVID-19 than information… The number of COVID-19 cases,
hospitalization of persons should not get sensationalised in the media. The chatter
around COVID-19 is scary. People are unwilling to get tested primarily because they
fear that their houses would be boarded up. In such circumstances, public health
becomes a disservice. It scares them at a time when they have to be tested in order
to control the pandemic,”.

22
 CHAPTER-3
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

23
▪ To find out the level of stress among college students due to covid 19 pandemic.
▪ To find out the gender difference in stress among college students during covid-
19 pandemic.

24
 CHAPTER-4
HYPOTHESIS OF STUDY

25
The stress level of male student would be higher than female student.

26
 CHAPTER-5
METHOD OF STUDY

27
• SAMPLE USED:
The samples taken for the present study consists of 30 subjects, divided into
two groups 15males and 15 females of college students. All the students were
of 18-25 age groups.

• TOOLS USED:
The frontier Covid 19 students stress Questionnaire used for the Comparative
study of stress among college students during covid 19 pandemic. The scale
consists of 7 items in the form of statement which are to be responded by
students. The students are required to respond to each item on a 5 point scale.
The scale points are about the degree of agreeability of the subject with the
statement indicated by not at all stress full, some what Stress full, moderate
stress full, very stressful, extremely stressful which are scored as 1,2,3,4 and 5
respectively. The maximum score of each is 5.

• PROCEDURE:
Initially the permission and consent were taken from each student by
providing the consent from. All the 30 students were consented to
participate in this study. I explained about the basic purpose of the
study and established report. To collect data, I went to online mode
and send my friend of different college student Rourkela. I write the
description Google online form questionnaire. All the 30 participants
data were collected with in 4-5 days.

28
 CHAPTER-6
FINAL RESULT TABLE

29
Gender N Mean
Female 15 17.333
Male 15 18.933

30
19.5

19

18.5

18

17.5

17

16.5
Male Female
Gender

Male

Female

31
 CHAPTER-7
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

32
Presents the mean score study of stress among college students during covid 19
pandemic. The mean for male students is 17.333 and for female student is 18.933. So
here we accept null hypothesis and conclude that there is statistically no significant
difference comparison between stress during pandemic among males and females.

33
 CHAPTER-8
LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

34
❖ Limitation of the study
1. The study would have been more impressive if the number of subjects would
have been more. Insufficient sample of size for statically measurement. When
Conducting a study, it is important to have a more sufficient sample size in
order to complete a valid research result. The larger the sample the more
precise you Result will be.

2. This questionnaire only the factor of students was taken in the study.
3. Scope of discussion: - I don’t have many years of experience of conducting
researches and producing academic papers of such a large size individually .The
scope and depth of discussion in my paper is comprised in many lands of
compared to the works of experienced scholars.

❖ Future implication of the study

1. The study will be helpful to early identify those students in need of
psychological support.
2. It becomes provide to make all the possible efforts to assure careful
monitoring of their perceived level of stress and psychological will being.
3. It can make students develop skill over come the stress.

35
CHAPTER-9
REFFERENCE

36
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38
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39
CHAPTER-10
APPENDIX

40
 The COVID – 19 Student Stress Questionnaire

NAME- GENDER- AGE-

0 – Not all stressful 1 – Some what stressful
2 – Moderately Stressful 3 – Very Stressful
4 – Extremely Stressful

Item No Statment Scale Point

1 How do you perceive the risk of 0 1 2 3 4

contagion during this period of COVID
Panedamic?

2 How do you perceive the condition of 0 1 2 3 4

social isolation imposed during this
period of COVID - 19 Panedamic ?

3 How do you perceive the relationship 0 1 2 3 4

with your relatives during this period of
COVID-19 Panedamic ?

4 How do you perceive the relationship 0 1 2 3 4

with your University colleagues during
this period of COVID-19 Panedamic?

5 How do you perceive with your 0 1 2 3 4

University professors during this period
of COVID-19 Panedamic?

6 How do you perceive your academic 0 1 2 3 4

studying experience during this period
of COVID-19 Panedamic?

7 How do you perceive the changes in 0 1 2 3 4

your sexual life due to the social
isolation during this period of COVID-19
Panedamic?

41