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Student Mental Health during Summer 2022 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs): Mentorship, Remote Engagement, and COVID-19

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Student Mental Health during Summer 2022 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs): Mentorship, Remote Engagement, and COVID-19
Language: English
Authors: Sara E. Grineski (ORCID 0000-0002-3561-1755), Danielle X. Morales, Timothy W. Collins, Yolanda Chavez, Callie L. Avondet, Nancy Pasillas
Source: Journal of American College Health. 2025 73(3):1115-1127.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Contract Number: 1930558
2055379
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Mental Health, Mentors, Distance Education, Barriers, COVID-19, Pandemics, Summer Programs, Research Training, Student Attitudes, Depression (Psychology), Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Severity (of Disability), Time on Task, Meetings, Workshops, Computer Mediated Communication, Intervention, Anxiety, Well Being, Interpersonal Relationship
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2351428
ISSN: 0744-8481
1940-3208
Abstract: Objective: We examined how mentorship, remote participation, and COVID-19 challenges were associated with the mental health of college students participating in summer research programs. Participants: Participants were students participating in 78 National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) Sites during Summer 2022 (n = 516 students). Methods: We used multivariable generalized estimating equations that account for clustering by REU Site. Results: Students with more competent mentors had reduced depression severity. Students who spent [greater than or equal to]25% of their time doing remote research or [greater than or equal to]25% of their time in remote meetings and workshops had greater depression severity. Remote research was also associated with anxiety severity. Having a COVID-19 challenge that impacted students' research experience was associated with increases in depression and anxiety severity. Conclusions: Results suggest potential interventions: implement strategies to boost mentor competency and scaffold a support system into summer research programs to enhance student wellbeing. Additional research on remote engagement is needed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1473201
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Objective: We examined how mentorship, remote participation, and COVID-19 challenges were associated with the mental health of college students participating in summer research programs. Participants: Participants were students participating in 78 National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) Sites during Summer 2022 (n = 516 students). Methods: We used multivariable generalized estimating equations that account for clustering by REU Site. Results: Students with more competent mentors had reduced depression severity. Students who spent [greater than or equal to]25% of their time doing remote research or [greater than or equal to]25% of their time in remote meetings and workshops had greater depression severity. Remote research was also associated with anxiety severity. Having a COVID-19 challenge that impacted students' research experience was associated with increases in depression and anxiety severity. Conclusions: Results suggest potential interventions: implement strategies to boost mentor competency and scaffold a support system into summer research programs to enhance student wellbeing. Additional research on remote engagement is needed.
ISSN:0744-8481
1940-3208
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2024.2351428