Graduation Term
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration
Committee Chair
Gavin Weiser
Committee Member
Ryan Smith
Committee Member
Diann Renn
Abstract
In this study, I compare the stress and coping of involved students and uninvolved students at liberal arts colleges during COVID-19. The study seeks to understand if there are differences between the two student populations. Three research questions guide the study. First, how has COVID-19 affected the stress levels of involved students compared to uninvolved students at liberal arts colleges? Second, how do involved students cope with their stress related to COVID-19 compared to uninvolved students at liberal arts colleges? And lastly, what is the relationship between how involved college students view COVID-19 and their levels of stress in comparison to uninvolved students at liberal arts colleges?
I use a descriptive mixed methods research design that includes close-ended questions from the adapted Fear of COVID-19 Scale and open questions in the same survey. The data is collected using a pragmatic epistemology lens.
The results show both student populations experienced stress from COVID-19. Involved students connect COVID-19 to hindering their college experience and also have more physical stress symptoms. The themes of importance of involvement, stress, coping, and resilience are identified from the study.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Alsene, Abbie, "A Comparison of Involved and Uninvolved College Students' Stress and Coping During COVID-19" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2052.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2052