College Students' Stress Responses and Anxiety During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract:The purpose of this current study was twofold: first, to identify the potential ecological risk and resiliency factors that contribute to emerging adult college students' generalized anxiety, as well as physiological and depressive responses to stress during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; second, to compare domestic and international college students' sources of stress, social supports, stress responses, and generalized anxiety. Results indicated elevated levels of generalized anxiety and depressive symptoms. Significant differences between international and domestic students were found in generalized anxiety, dating frustrations, and physiological responses to stress. Three separate multiple regressions on physiological responses to stress, depression, and generalized anxiety were conducted. Results and implications will be discussed.