Abstract:

Although research is ongoing on COVID-19 pandemic, the data so far indicates that COVID-19 brought great changes and a new reality around the world. The global COVID-19 pandemic brings with it a host of issues that will have profound effects on individuals. This study explores phycological effects of COVID-19 pandemic in university students with and without special educational needs and disabilities in Greece. More specifically, it aims to investigate the degree of anxiety, resilience and meaning in life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consists of 194 participants, 41 (21.1%) males and 153 (78.9%) females, mean age 23.35 years. All of them are university students in the 3rd and 4th years of their studies in the Department of Primary Education. Data collection uses a self-report questionnaire, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Resilience Scale (RS) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). According to the findings, students show greater levels of anxiety and meaning in life, self-efficacy than the scales average and moderate resilience. Explanations for the above results are discussed.

Keywords:

University students with and without special educational needs and disabilities, COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety, resilience, meaning in life, Greece.