Perceived Stress and Need for Social Relationships in University Students in Pandemic

Abstract

Aim:The spread of infectious diseases has become inevitable with the increase in international cooperation, commerce and cultural values via the technological developments through the World. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created stress and anxiety all over the World. Young adults are one of the most affected social groups in the isolation days. This study aimed to evaluate the university students’ perceived stress and need for relatedness with the profound change in educational and social life conditions.Materials and Methods:In order to determine the socialization needs and stress levels of university students, university students throughout Turkey were reached. Demographic characteristics, and the scores of Perceived Stress Scale and The Need for Relatedness Scale were collected by applying a web-based questionnaire in 402 students.Results:It was observed that the COVID-19 timeframe increased the stress levels and social needs of university students. The perceived stress of female students was found to be higher than that of male students (p<0.001) while no statistically significant difference was found among regions and departments.Conclusion:It has become necessary to consider the fact that the educational lives of university students are affected by the parameters of anxiety, stress and needs during this new normalization process and has become necessary to improve their psychological status.

Keywords

• covid-19
• need for relatedness
• perceived stress
• university students