The Impact of Online Learning on University Students' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Academic Stress, Uncertainty Tolerance, and Psychological Wellbeing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of online learning during COVID-19 academic stress, intolerance of uncertainty and psychological wellbeing among university students. The hypothesis of this study was that there is likely to be a relationship between academic stress, intolerance of uncertainty and psychological well-being among university students and academic stress will negatively predict psychological well-being among university students. The data was collected online from the target sample of university students with an age range of 19 to 25 years using correlational research design with purposive sampling strategy. Scoring sheet of The Perception of Academic Stress Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale were administered on the sample population to assess the level of academic stress, intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychological wellbeing in them. The data was statistically analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23. According to hypothesis, the results of the study showed that there is significant positive correlation between Academic stress, intolerance of uncertainty and Psychological Wellbeing and academic stress predicting psychological wellbeing. Therefore, Teachers, educators, institutional administration, students, and parents will benefit from this research in understanding the current online learning environment and its effects on Pakistani students' education.