Emotional and physiological impact of COVID-19 stressors on university students: Exploring arousal, anxiety, and gender differences

COVID-19 and related events, such as lockdowns, had measurable adverse mental health effects on the population. The present study explores the impact of COVID-19 on young adults’ mental health, specifically examining university students’ emotional and physiological responses to pandemic-related stress. University students (n = 45) from various disciplines participated in a within-subject design experiment, during which their electrodermal activity (EDA) was measured while they recalled COVID-19 experiences. Significant variances in EDA were observed, with disruptions of daily routine and panic buying inducing the highest responses. A correlation between anxiety levels and EDA suggests that those with higher anxiety experience stronger physiological reactions. Gender-specific differences in EDA were also detected, highlighting the need for tailored mental health interventions. This research underscores the importance of addressing individual and gender-based responses to pandemic stress.
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