Fear's Mediating Effects on Mental Health in Distance Learning Students

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Mediating Effects of Fear on Mental Health among Undergraduate Students during Open Distance Learning
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Nurhasniza Idham Abu Hasan, Mogana Darshini Ganggayah, Suzainiwati Suhaimi, Nurhasnira Abu Hasan, Nur Faezah Jamal


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Mediating Effects of Fear on Mental Health among Undergraduate Students during Open Distance Learning

Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.6.10

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the educational landscape, compelling universities to adopt online distance learning (ODL) as the primary mode of instruction. This transition has raised concerns about students' mental health, with many facing challenges like isolation, anxiety, and depression. The present study aimed to investigate the interplay between fear, mental health challenges (such as depression, anxiety, and stress), and university students' perceptions of ODL. By highlighting these relationships, the study seeks to provide insights that can inform strategies to support students' mental health during such unprecedented times.

The Role of Fear in Student Perception of ODL

One of the key findings of the study is the significant role that fear plays as a mediator between mental health problems and students' perceptions of ODL. Among the participants, a staggering 84.2% reported experiencing moderate to severe depression, with 95.0% indicating similar levels of anxiety. Fear was shown to directly influence students' perceptions of ODL. Specifically, the presence of fear increased the negative outlook towards online learning. The study revealed that while anxiety and stress had direct effects on the levels of fear experienced by students, depression's influence was mediated through fear, demonstrating that psychological states are interlinked and can shape perceptions of educational experiences during stressful circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study underscores the critical concerns regarding mental health among university students during the shift to ODL amidst the pandemic. It highlights that fear, alongside depression, anxiety, and stress, notably impacts students' perceptions and experiences related to online learning. Given these findings, there is a pressing need for educational institutions to implement support systems that address the psychological well-being of students, particularly focusing on fear and its associated emotional challenges. This approach is essential for enhancing student engagement and academic performance while fostering a healthier learning environment.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the main focus of the study?

The study investigates the impact of fear as a mediator between mental health issues and university students' perceptions of online distance learning (ODL) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What methods were used to conduct the research?

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 258 undergraduate students using self-administered questionnaires. Instruments included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to assess psychological symptoms and fear.

What were the key findings related to mental health?

The study found that a significant percentage of participants experienced moderate to severe symptoms of depression (84.2%), anxiety (95.0%), and stress (67.4%), along with high levels of fear affecting their perceptions of ODL.

How does fear mediate the relationship between depression and ODL perception?

Fear was shown to partially mediate the relationship between depression and students' perceptions of ODL, indicating that increased fear levels negatively influence students' views towards the online learning environment.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Fear's Mediating Effects on Mental Health in Distance Learning Students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Fear:
Fear is a primal emotional response to perceived threats, driving individual's behavior, especially under stressful conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of online distance learning (ODL), fear can significantly impact students’ mental health and academic performance. Understanding fear helps identify avenues for support and interventions to alleviate anxiety and promote better educational outcomes.

2) Table:
Tables provide a structured visual representation of data, allowing for easier comprehension and comparison of variables in research studies. In the context of the study discussed, tables illustrate participants' socio-demographic characteristics, levels of psychological distress, and perceptions regarding online learning, facilitating clear presentation and analysis of findings.

3) Learning:
Learning encompasses the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, or competencies through study, experience, or teaching methods. In the context of education and particularly online distance learning (ODL), adapting learning methods and environments is crucial for maintaining student engagement and success, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

4) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a mental health issue characterized by excessive worry and fear, often affecting students in academic settings. During online learning, anxiety can stem from uncertainties related to assessments, performance expectations, and social interactions. Addressing anxiety is essential for improving students’ overall mental health and academic success.

5) Depression:
Depression refers to a mental disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and various cognitive impairments. The study highlights its high prevalence among university students, particularly during the transition to online education. Understanding depression’s impact on students can guide effective interventions and supportive resources.

6) Perception:
Perception refers to the interpretation and understanding individuals have of their experiences or environments. In this study, students’ perceptions of online learning significantly influence their mental well-being and success rates, as negative views can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the need for supportive measures.

7) Study (Studying):
Studying involves engaging with materials to acquire knowledge and skills. In the context of the pandemic, changes to studying habits and environments significantly influence students' mental health and perceptions of their educational experiences.

8) Mental health:
Mental health involves emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. The study underscores the importance of attending to mental health, particularly in educational settings during crises, as it significantly affects students’ academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

9) Measurement:
Measurement in research refers to the process of quantifying variables, ensuring data is collected systematically to evaluate specific constructs. In the context of the study, measurement tools assess psychological distress, fear, and perceptions in students, providing robust data for analysis and interpretation.

10) Education:
Education is the formal process of learning and acquiring knowledge and skills. The transition to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges for students, impacting their learning experiences, mental health, and perceptions of academic success, necessitating adaptations in teaching and assessment methods.

11) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement tool, indicating its ability to yield the same results under similar conditions. High reliability in the instruments used, such as anxiety and depression scales, ensures that the findings of the study are trustworthy and can be applied confidently in educational settings.

12) Life:
Life encompasses the experiences and conditions that define individual existence. In the context of this study, understanding how various factors, including mental health and education, affect a student's life is crucial for developing effective interventions that promote well-being and academic performance.

13) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or condition of something, often evaluated in terms of excellence or effectiveness. In education, particularly during online learning, assessing the quality of learning experiences, instructional materials, and student engagement is essential for fostering positive outcomes and minimizing psychological distress.

14) Performance:
Performance in an academic context relates to how well a student meets educational expectations and objectives. Factors such as mental health challenges and perceptions of online learning significantly influence students’ performance, indicating a need for supportive structures to enhance academic achievement.

15) Rules:
Rules are guidelines or principles governing conduct within a particular context. In education, rules can play a crucial role in creating structured learning environments. Understanding how rules impact students’ experiences during online learning can aid in developing effective educational policies and practices.

16) Disease:
Disease typically refers to a pathological condition of a bodily part, an organism, or its system resulting from various causes. In relation to mental health, diseases like depression or anxiety can be exacerbated by external factors, such as the pressures of educational demands during a pandemic.

17) Pir:
Peer refers to individuals of similar age or status in society, particularly in educational environments. Peer relationships significantly affect mental health and learning experiences, as social support from peers can alleviate feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

18) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information, understanding, and skills obtained through learning or experience. In the educational context, enhancing students' knowledge is crucial for their academic success, challenging the traditional boundaries of learning, particularly during transitions to remote or online learning environments.

19) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worry involves emotional distress focused on potential negative outcomes. In the study, feelings of worry among students concerning various academic and life issues underscore the importance of mental health support structures to mitigate these effects and promote a healthier learning environment.

20) Post:
Post refers to the period after an event, such as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational practices. Students' experiences in the post-pandemic educational environment reveal essential insights into mental health challenges and perceptions of learning, guiding future strategies in higher education.

21) Reason:
Reason points to the explanation or justification for an action, belief, or phenomenon. In this study, understanding the reasons behind students’ mental health issues and perceptions of online learning is critical for developing targeted interventions aimed at improving educational outcomes and emotional well-being.

22) Developing:
Developing implies the process of growth, enhancement, or evolution over time. In this context, developing effective coping mechanisms and strategies for mental health among students is crucial to address the heightened challenges posed by online learning during the pandemic.

23) Composite:
Composite generally refers to something made up of various parts or elements. In research, a composite score may integrate multiple factors to give a comprehensive measure of a construct. This is relevant in understanding complex relationships among variables like mental health, fear, and learning perceptions.

24) Teaching:
Teaching is the act of imparting knowledge or skills to students. In the context of online learning, effective teaching methods are essential to ensure engagement and retention of knowledge despite the challenges posed by remote educational formats.

25) Relative:
Relative refers to something considered in relation or proportion to something else. Understanding the relative impact of factors such as fear, anxiety, and depression on students’ perceptions and experiences in online learning can inform effective educational interventions.

26) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In this context, the scientific understanding of psychological impacts during learning processes aids in formulating effective educational strategies and mental health support.

27) Family:
Family provides a foundational social unit and support system for individuals. In the context of education, family dynamics and support can significantly influence students’ mental health and academic success, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.

28) Hair:
Hair, though often unrelated in direct contexts of mental health, may metaphorically represent the concept of care or personal grooming, which can sometimes reflect underlying mental states. Understanding how such aspects intertwine with overall well-being could further foster supportive educational environments.

29) Mud:
Mood refers to a temporary state of mind or feeling. In the psychological context, significant fluctuations in mood can be symptomatic of underlying mental health challenges, which students may face during online learning environments shaped by stressors like fear and anxiety.

30) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder is a psychological condition characterized by abnormal thought processes, emotions, or behaviors that impair daily functioning. Recognizing and addressing mental disorders among students is crucial for fostering supportive educational environments and ensuring their academic success and well-being.

31) Arrangement:
Arrangement typically involves organizing or planning elements in a specific structure or layout. In education, effective arrangements of instructional designs and learning activities can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, especially in online settings.

32) Calculation:
Calculation refers to the mathematical determination of a quantity or number, often used in research contexts to analyze data. In the study, calculation serves to assess psychological measures such as anxiety, stress, and perceptions, enabling more precise interpretations of the results.

33) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical component of research reporting that involves interpreting findings, sharing insights, and contextualizing data within existing literature. Engaging in meaningful discussions about the results can help identify implications for practice and future research directions.

34) Account:
Account refers to a narrative or explanation of events or experiences. In educational research, maintaining accurate accounts of participants’ experiences can inform practices and policies aimed at addressing their needs and enhancing mental health and learning outcomes.

35) Chinna:
Chinna may refer to a contributor or researcher involved in studying the impact of COVID-19 on students’ mental health in Malaysia. Recognizing the roles of such individual researchers is essential for contextualizing findings within broader academic discourse.

36) Greece:
Greece may represent a geographical location involved in studies of mental health and education. Research focused on students from different regions, including Greece, can provide valuable comparative insights into the global impact of crises like COVID-19 on educational outcomes.

37) Allama:
Allama may refer to institutions, like Allama Iqbal Open University, which offer distance education. Understanding the specific contexts of such institutions helps in assessing the effects of online learning on students’ mental health and academic performance.

38) Egypt:
Egypt, as a historical and culturally rich context, may signify the inclusion of diverse educational experiences and challenges faced during crises. Studying Egyptian students can provide insights into the impact of societal conditions on academic outcomes and mental health.

39) Campu:
Campu may be a typographical error related to 'campus,' indicating the physical or virtual space where education occurs. Understanding the dynamics of campus life, even in online formats, is crucial for comprehending student interactions and mental health outcomes.

40) Catching (Catch, Catched):
Catch refers to the ability to comprehend or understand something quickly. In an educational context, students may 'catch' knowledge or concepts differently during online learning than in traditional formats, which could influence their academic performance and mental well-being.

41) Tama:
Tama can refer to a specific aspect of a research study or author involved in discussing the themes of the impact of COVID-19 on educational practices. Recognizing individual contributions enriches the academic conversation on mental health in educational settings.

42) Mara:
Mara relates to institutions or contexts in Malaysia associated with education. Understanding how such local institutions address the mental health challenges of students in online settings helps identify effective strategies for educational policy.

43) Alam (Alaṁ):
Alam could relate to various educational contexts in Malaysia, indicating the need to examine the regional impacts of learning formats on students through a lens of mental health awareness and educational adaptation during crises.

44) Sah:
Shah may refer to contributions from researchers or institutions involved in the study of mental health among students. Acknowledging the influence of diverse perspectives is essential in shaping holistic understandings of education and mental health domains.

45) Sahu:
Sahu likely refers to a researcher or author in the provided study or literature. The contributions of such authors aid in the broader understanding of mental health implications in educational environments during unprecedented times.

46) Hand:
Hand may symbolize support in an educational or psychological context, emphasizing the importance of community and social support for students navigating challenges during online learning necessitated by the pandemic.

47) Devi:
Dewi could refer to a specific researcher or contributor in the study, playing a role in expanding the narrative surrounding mental health among students during the transition to online learning amid COVID-19.

48) Ter:
Ther might be related to therapeutic context or approaches to mental health. Understanding various therapies can help shape effective support systems for students facing mental health challenges during their educational experiences.

49) Male:
Male refers to the gender, and in the context of mental health studies, understanding gender differences is crucial as males and females may experience and express mental health challenges differently, affecting how support mechanisms are designed.

50) Surrounding:
Surrounding refers to the environment and context in which individuals exist. For students, surrounding factors, including social support, family dynamics, and educational settings, play crucial roles in shaping their mental health outcomes during crises.

51) Observation:
Observation is a foundational aspect of research that involves systematically monitoring and recording behavior or phenomena. In educational studies, observation can reveal insights into student experiences and responses to challenges in learning environments.

52) Suffering:
Suffering reflects the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. In the context of mental health, awareness of students’ suffering informs educators and policymakers to provide necessary support during difficult transitions like online learning during a pandemic.

53) Medicine:
Medicine involves healthcare practices aimed at maintaining or restoring health. In the educational context, recognizing the interrelation between students' mental health and access to medical resources is essential for ensuring well-being during academic challenges.

54) Epidemic:
Epidemic refers to the widespread occurrence of an infectious disease within a population. Understanding the psychological implications of epidemics, like COVID-19, is essential for developing educational policies that support mental health and learning during such crises.

55) Language:
Language serves more than communication; it shapes thought and influences relationships. Effective communication through educational platforms is essential for facilitating understanding and engagement, particularly during shifts to online learning environments.

56) Meeting:
Meeting often refers to gatherings for discussion or collaboration. In educational contexts, meetings can facilitate communication among students and educators, enhancing support for mental health and academic pursuits during challenging online learning setups.

57) Dealing:
Dealing encompasses the strategies and approaches individuals use to handle stressors or challenges. In terms of education and mental health, effective dealing mechanisms are essential for students managing the pressures of online learning environments.

58) Filling (Filled):
Filling may refer to addressing gaps in knowledge or unfair experiences in assessments or mental health support. A focus on filling gaps in these areas can significantly enhance educational practices and improve student well-being.

59) Flying:
Flying may metaphorically represent aspirations and progress towards achieving academic success. Understanding how mental health issues can impede students’ ability to 'fly' toward their goals is crucial for developing supportive educational structures.

60) Killing (Killed):
Killed signifies an end or cessation, often referring to loss or adverse events. In educational scenarios, recognizing the impact of high-stress environments on student mental health is vital, particularly during crises that exacerbate psychological distress.

61) Field:
Field pertains to specific areas of study or professional practice. In mental health and education, acknowledging diverse fields enhances interdisciplinary approaches to address student mental health concerns effectively.

62) House:
House could symbolize the home environment where learning occurs, especially during online education. Recognizing how family dynamics and home conditions impact students’ academic experiences and mental health is crucial for developing effective interventions.

63) Beta:
Beta may refer to statistical coefficients used in research to understand relationships between variables. In this context, beta values indicate how strongly various factors like fear, anxiety, and depression affect perceptions and experiences within educational settings.

64) Line:
Line generally refers to either a physical or metaphorical boundary or connection. In research, understanding the lines that separate different constructs can guide data interpretation and highlight the relationships among mental health, perceptions, and academic performance.

65) Wind:
Wind can metaphorically represent change or transitions in the atmosphere. In educational settings, the 'winds' of change brought on by events like a pandemic can drastically reshape students’ learning experiences and their mental health outcomes.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Fear's Mediating Effects on Mental Health in Distance Learning Students’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mental health, Depression, Anxiety, Social relationship, Mental illnesses, Reliability and validity, Academic achievement, Data collection, Future research, Social interaction, Statistical analysis, Negative emotion, University students, Academic performance, Descriptive Statistics, Social Support, Mental stress, Job opportunities, Cross-sectional study, Stress Level, COVID-19 Pandemic, Psychological Disturbance, Psychological distress, Teaching faculty, Psychological symptoms, Lack of motivation, Stress, Standard protocol, Environmental stimuli, Structured questionnaire, Social functioning, Final assessment, Convergent validity, Psychosocial Well-Being, Anxiety and stress, Pandemic situation, Academic pressure, Internal Consistency, Higher education institutions, High prevalence rate, Academic stress, Academic failure, Undergraduate students, Coping strategies, Social desirability, Questionnaire administration, Stress symptoms, Suicidal ideation, Negative perception, Social Desirability Bias, Partial Least Square, Heavy workload, Learning environment, Job security, Self-administered structured questionnaire, Socio-demographic details, Home quarantine, Coping Mechanism, Academic workload, Negative consequence, Mental health condition, Fear of COVID-19, Online Learning, Fear of COVID-19 scale, Depression anxiety, Dependent variable, Independent variable, Remote learning, Continuous assessment, Structural equation modeling, Mental health problem, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Depression anxiety stress, Internet connection, Suicide attempt, Stressful environment, Students' perception, Socio-demographic characteristic.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Fear, Study, Tuition-fee, Time limit, Negative view, Student life.

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