Previous research indicates that social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic can lead to increased loneliness among university students. These feelings of loneliness can give rise to suicide...Show morePrevious research indicates that social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic can lead to increased loneliness among university students. These feelings of loneliness can give rise to suicide ideation. Furthermore, research also demonstrates that high social support might weaken this association. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate if increased loneliness predicts suicide ideation among university students and if family and peer support weaken this association. 137 University students over the age of 18 partook in an online survey. To examine whether increased loneliness predicts the presence of suicide ideation, a logistic regression analysis was used. The moderating role of social support was assessed with a moderation analysis. Results indicated that increased loneliness successfully predicts the presence of suicide ideation among university students, which is in line with previous research. However, contrary to existing literature, the moderation analysis yielded nonsignificant results. This means that social support does not weaken the association between loneliness and suicide ideation. This inconsistency might be influenced by the assessment method and the moderation model used. Future research should examine the moderating role of social support in the association between loneliness and suicide ideation and the potential long-term effects the Covid-19 pandemic might have on university students’ mental health.Show less
Alcohol use among university students is a major public health concern. Especially those with preexisting mental health problems show signs of problem drinking. In times of COVID-19, the switch to...Show moreAlcohol use among university students is a major public health concern. Especially those with preexisting mental health problems show signs of problem drinking. In times of COVID-19, the switch to online learning, social distancing measures, and fears related to the coronavirus put a strain on students’ mental health. This study investigated whether higher COVID-19-related fears are associated with higher alcohol use in students and if study-related stress mediates this relationship. Additionally, it was predicted that students drank more because of internal motives rather than external motives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to identify points for intervention in order to prevent problem drinking in the student population. 139 responses of students from Leiden University to an online survey were analyzed. The questionnaires administered included the Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory Test 3 (AUDIT), Drinking Motives Questionnaire (DMQ), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and Law Student Perceived Stress Scale (LSPSS). Simple linear regression analyses and a pairedsamples t-test were used to analyze the data. The results showed that neither COVID-19-related fears nor study-related stress were significant predictors of alcohol use. However, COVID-19- related fears significantly predicted study-related stress. Lastly, students were more motivated by internal than external motives to drink. Interventions should target COVID-19-related fears and study-related stress to decrease the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic achievement of students. Additionally, internal motives for drinking need to be targeted to decrease and/or prevent problem drinking in this population.Show less
Once transitioning to University, students have elevated levels of both alcohol consumption and loneliness compared to the rest of the population. Additionally, after the outbreak of Covid-19 in...Show moreOnce transitioning to University, students have elevated levels of both alcohol consumption and loneliness compared to the rest of the population. Additionally, after the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, the total population experienced higher loneliness and some were more likely to cope with alcohol. This study examined the associations between Covid-19-related fear, loneliness, alcohol use, and the protective role of virtual communication on loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic. 141 students from Leiden University in the Netherlands reported their levels of Covid-19-related fear, loneliness, quantity and motives of alcohol consumption, and extent of virtual communication through self-report. Fear of the virus was not associated with loneliness or problematic alcohol consumption, but higher loneliness was associated with reduced drinking. Students that kept more contact with loved ones via digital media experienced lower loneliness. Generally, significant differences emerged between Dutch and international students, the latter of which scored worse on most outcomes. In conclusion, this study’s results suggest that students’ alcohol consumption is high yet differs from adult drinking behaviour in that it has an underlying social, not coping, motive. Moreover, international students seem to be particularly vulnerable suggesting the need for an improved care system. Altogether, the results identified important outlets for future research exploring social components underlying students’ alcohol consumption and the gap between international and native students. Further research may address the protective effect of virtual communication to potentially reduce loneliness in students as well as in the general population during exceptional circumstances like a pandemic.Show less
