Mental Wellbeing in the Pre-and Post-Pandemic Era: Perspectives of U.S. College Students, Faculty, and Administrators

This qualitative study explores the perceptions and experiences of college students, faculty, and administrators on mental well-being pre-and-post COVID-19 pandemic. The study used an exploratory sequential design, and this manuscript presented findings from the qualitative (phase one) data collected through in-depth interviews with students, faculty, and administrators (N = 20). Interviews were conducted in person and virtually, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken using a comprehensive codebook and Nvivo14 software. The findings revealed three major categories of views and experiences based on the timeframes around COVID-19 and campus closure: (a) pre-pandemic, (b) during the pandemic, and (c) post-pandemic (after the reopening of campus). Views on pre-pandemic demonstrated that in-person learning is better for mental well-being, having a structure reduces stress, and the real college experience positively impacts mental well-being. The pandemic period was characterized as overwhelming and stressful, complex, and mixed spaces of work and life, dominated by feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, and anxiety. The post-pandemic period was filled with mixed feelings of excitement and the burden of readjustment. The re-opening of campus did not mean coming back to the pre-pandemic state; feelings of anxiety and trauma from the pandemic days continued. The period was marked by declined support that created a mental burden, but also important lessons were learned on how to maintain mental well-being. As colleges navigate the post-pandemic landscape, it is imperative to maintain a focus on mental wellness, integrating preventive measures, crisis response strategies, and continuous evaluation of mental health services.