This study aimed to determine the adjustment issues of college students in a post-pandemic world and deepen the exploration of their experiences as they navigate their way into the complexities of higher education. Using a mixed methods, explanatory sequential research design, a total of 3,792 college students in the Philippines participated in the study. The standardized College Adjustment Scale was utilized to measure the participants’ anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self-esteem problems, interpersonal problems, family problems, academic problems and career problems, while a focus group discussion was conducted with 10 purposively selected students from 5 colleges. Results show that years after the pandemic, the overall adjustment issues of students are relatively normal, with some concerns around depression which yielded borderline scores. Differences in adjustment issues appeared when students were categorized by sex, college, and academic year, but most factors remained within normal limits. Themes that emerged from the qualitative data evolved around students’ struggles in social interactions, mental health concerns, coping strategies and their insights into the pandemic and post-pandemic transition. Results could inform support programs for specific student groups or areas where intervention is necessary in order to enhance student well-being.

Authors:
Liberty Ochavo, University of St. La Salle, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Liberty L. Ochavo is a registered guidance counselor and a registered psychometrician. She is currently the director of the Career Development Centre of the University of St. La Salle, Philippines.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Liberty-Ochavo?ev=hdr_xprf

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