Getting to the Sandbar: Understanding the Emotional Phases of COVID-19 Among College and University Students

• Published in: Psychological reports Vol. 125; no. 6; pp. 2956 - 2980
• Main Authors: Stowe, Angela, Upshaw, Kalani, Estep, Claire, Lanzi, Robin Gaines
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Mental & Physical Health; sociocultural issues in psychology; well-being; public health issues; Mental health, awareness; anxiety, college, university
• ISSN: 0033-2941; 1558-691X
• DOI: 10.1177/00332941211028105

This paper provides a framework for understanding the emotional and behavioral responses of college and university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It builds on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Phases of Disaster Model and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Additionally, we conceptualize a new phase in the Phases of Disaster Model, which we refer to as the “Sandbar Phase,” to address the unique factors of COVID-19 for college and university students. For each phase, we discuss the expected timeline and the associated emotional reactions, behaviors, and applications of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs during COVID-19 for college and university students. Our proposed model aims to reveal short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of college and university students and be a resource in the development of effective mitigation efforts to diminish any psychological deficits as the result of future disasters and/or traumatic events.