ERIC Number: ED654150
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 113
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3827-5037-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Phenomenological Study to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health among Generation Z Pharmacy Students
Steven G. Deanda
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Texas A&M University - Kingsville
The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global crisis, had posed unique challenges to the mental health of Generation Z (Gen Z) pharmacy students born between 1997-2012. This dissertation examined the profound impact of the pandemic on the mental health of this specific demographic. It shed light on the multifaceted factors at play due to the shift to an altered online learning environment. This study explored the experiences, stressors, coping mechanisms, and consequences of the pandemic's influence on Gen Z pharmacy students' mental health through a comprehensive research approach. The research draws on qualitative methodologies to investigate the prevalence of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation among pharmacy students within the Gen Z pharmacy cohort. It examined their stressors, including academic pressures, social isolation, financial concerns, and the uncertainty of the pandemic's duration. Furthermore, this dissertation examined the coping strategies employed by these students to mitigate the mental health challenges posed by the pandemic. It assessed the role of social support systems, access to mental health resources, and the effectiveness of online interventions in promoting mental health. The findings of this study provided critical insights into the unique vulnerabilities and resilience factors of Gen Z pharmacy students in the face of a global crisis. By understanding the multifaceted nature of COVID-19's impact on their mental health, higher education institutions and policymakers can develop targeted interventions and support systems to promote this vital student population's mental health and academic success. This research underscored the urgency of prioritizing mental health resources and fostering a supportive environment for Gen Z pharmacy students as they navigated the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and any future pandemics. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, Mental Health, College Students, Generational Differences, Pharmaceutical Education, Pharmacy, Online Courses, Student Experience, Stress Variables, Coping, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), School Closing
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A