Effect of Loneliness and Stress among Afghan Students in India during COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted almost everyone in the world. So, to prevent the virus írom spreading as people were encouraged to self-quarantine in their homes. The lockdown had serious consequences on the mental health of people, causing issues such as stress, frustration, and depression. The psychological reactions of the people have a key role in influencing both the transmission of the disease and the occurrence of emotional anguish and social disorder during and after an infectious disease outbreak. Despite this, adequate resources are rarely provided to manage or mitigate the consequences of pandemics on mental health and well-being. Maladaptive behaviors, emotional distress, and defensive responses are all psychological responses to pandemics. Particularly those are more at risk who are genetically inclined to mental disease. According to surveys, the COVID-19 epidemic has influenced the state of friendship among many adults in the United States. Nearly 60% of young women said they lost contact with a few acquaintances during the pandemic, while 16% said they lost contact with most or all of their pals (Cherry, 2022). The mental health of people has suffered greatly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented level of uncertainty connected with the pandemic could contribute to stress and anxiety, particularly among people who have a high tolerance for uncertainty (Rettie & Daniels, 2021). The current study examined the experiences faced by students in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. To explore the effect of Loneliness and Stress among Afghan students in India during COVID-19 Pandemic a correlational study was conducted. 156 Afghan students (Bachelor's, Master's, & Ph.D. students) from age (18-25) years old living in India participated in this study. 7-item COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire (CSSQ) and UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) were used in this study. Correlational analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between loneliness and stress. It was found that the level of stress among Afghan students living in India during a COVID-19 pandemic was moderate. Students reported rising mental health problems related to isolation, anxiety of social gatherings, and changes in connections with teachers and peers. And there was a high positive correlation between the three dimensions (isolation, relationship & academic life, & fear of contagion) of the 7-item COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire. It was also found that students were suffering from loneliness and isolation at a moderate level because, on the internet, students were no more able to reveal their "real" or inner self to others than they were in face-to-face settings. Therefore, situational factors like moving to a new place, physical isolation, and divorce can all cause loneliness in this context (David, 2015).