Changes in study approaches, self-efficacy, and mental health in allied healthcare students during the COVID-19 crisis

Abstract

There is growing concern about student mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. Mental health factors impact self-efficacy and study behaviors, thus there is a need to explore changes in these factors during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore changes in allied healthcare students’ approaches to studying, self-efficacy and positive mental health before and during the COVID-19 crisis. The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students, General Self-efficacy scale, Mental Health Continuum – Short Form were given to graduate students (n=26) prior to, and one year into the pandemic. Repeated measures analyses of variance were performed. General self-efficacy scores increased with large effect size, while no significant change pattern was observed for mental health scores. The decrease in strategic study approach scores had a large effect size. The changes in deep and surface study approach scores across time were not statistically significant. While students sustained their mental health and increased their self-efficacy, students may benefit from assistance in organizing daily academic routines and fostering community support during times of crisis.