Academic youth during the Covid-19 pandemic: student anticipation of life changes in the face of a crisis situation

Abstract

The reality of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has brought the need to adapt to several changes in the functioning of individuals in almost every area of life. Socio-economic and psychophysical conditions of individuals in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic have become factors determining the change in everyday habits, lifestyle, and prospects for looking at the future. The unstable personal, economic, and professional situation has also become the experience of academic youth.

The main objective of this article is to analyze the results of team research on the specifics of the functioning of academic youth during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, in particular in determining students’ predictions about the impact of the pandemic on their future life changes.

The research was conducted with the participation of students of various study modes (N = 1259) using the online survey questionnaire (CAWI). The results of scientific research presented in the article indicate the multitude of life changes expected by academic youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes were particularly evident in interpersonal relationships caused by the need to maintain social isolation in pandemic conditions.

The considerations undertaken in the article may help determine students’ psychophysical, economic, educational, and professional conditions during crisis conditions, such as the
SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. This will enable the implementation of appropriate actions and prevention programs supporting this social group in adapting to functioning in the new pandemic reality (as well as post-pandemic) and counteracting difficulties, fears, and fears related to life changes predicted in the future.

Keywords

COVID-19; a pandemic; academic youth; life changes; crises