Understanding the Impact of Virtual Online and Traditional Learning on Student Mental Health: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study amid and beyond Educational Disruptions

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Title: Understanding the Impact of Virtual Online and Traditional Learning on Student Mental Health: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study amid and beyond Educational Disruptions
Language: English
Authors: Helene D. Daya
Source: Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 2026 18(1):39-83.
Availability: Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/jcihe/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 47
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Students, Electronic Learning, In Person Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Student Experience, COVID-19, Pandemics, Mental Health, Student Welfare, Student Characteristics, Psychological Testing, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Psychological Patterns
ISSN: 2151-0393
2151-0407
Abstract: The global pandemic accelerated the transition from conventional face-to-face to distant online education. This study aims to investigate the disparities in mental health challenges among students undergoing remote online learning during the educational disruption and their current psychological status upon transitioning back to in-person learning. Students at public universities experienced high levels of psychological distress, stress, anxiety, and depression. The study revealed an association between mental health concerns and demographic factors, including socioeconomic status and gadget use. While students' mental well-being improved after in-person learning, they faced challenges in managing stress and developing self-directed learning skills. The research recommends implementing hybrid learning policies, wellness days, mental health awareness initiatives, and frequent breaks to enhance intellectual and psychological development. This research provides a significant basis for establishing international standards for student mental health care and directs higher education institutions worldwide towards more resilient, adaptable, and supportive educational settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506621
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Understanding the Impact of Virtual Online and Traditional Learning on Student Mental Health: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study amid and beyond Educational Disruptions
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  Data: Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/jcihe/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Students%22">College Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Electronic+Learning%22">Electronic Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22In+Person+Learning%22">In Person Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technology+Uses+in+Education%22">Technology Uses in Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Experience%22">Student Experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22COVID-19%22">COVID-19</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Pandemics%22">Pandemics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mental+Health%22">Mental Health</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Welfare%22">Student Welfare</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Characteristics%22">Student Characteristics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+Testing%22">Psychological Testing</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Anxiety%22">Anxiety</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Depression+%28Psychology%29%22">Depression (Psychology)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+Patterns%22">Psychological Patterns</searchLink>
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  Data: 2151-0393<br />2151-0407
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  Data: The global pandemic accelerated the transition from conventional face-to-face to distant online education. This study aims to investigate the disparities in mental health challenges among students undergoing remote online learning during the educational disruption and their current psychological status upon transitioning back to in-person learning. Students at public universities experienced high levels of psychological distress, stress, anxiety, and depression. The study revealed an association between mental health concerns and demographic factors, including socioeconomic status and gadget use. While students' mental well-being improved after in-person learning, they faced challenges in managing stress and developing self-directed learning skills. The research recommends implementing hybrid learning policies, wellness days, mental health awareness initiatives, and frequent breaks to enhance intellectual and psychological development. This research provides a significant basis for establishing international standards for student mental health care and directs higher education institutions worldwide towards more resilient, adaptable, and supportive educational settings.
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      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 47
        StartPage: 39
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: College Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Electronic Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: In Person Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Experience
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: COVID-19
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Pandemics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mental Health
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Welfare
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Characteristics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychological Testing
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Anxiety
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      – SubjectFull: Depression (Psychology)
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      – SubjectFull: Psychological Patterns
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      – TitleFull: Understanding the Impact of Virtual Online and Traditional Learning on Student Mental Health: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study amid and beyond Educational Disruptions
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