Psychology professor emphasizes social support among students

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APRIL 22, 2020 — Students at UTSA and other universities around the world are facing an onslaught of stressors as they adjust to the new normal. Of course, those stressors arise because each student’s “new normal” is different. Some are now dealing with food, housing, employment or health insecurity as well as less-than-ideal situations for online learning and social interaction.

Sandra Morissette, clinical psychologist, professor and interim chair of the Department of Psychology at UTSA, has extensively studied anxiety and trauma. Her research aims to bring services to patients where and when they need them, so she recently connected with UTSA Today to discuss how college students can best overcome these stressors to improve both their academic function and mental health.

Over the past two months a massive number of college students either lost their jobs or had their work hours drastically reduced. On the other hand, there are several students working “essential” jobs who are highly concerned about their own health. How can food, housing and health insecurity impact students’ focus on academics, and what can they do to overcome those issues?

It is especially challenging to lose a job—at any time let alone a pandemic—which can in turn create significant financial hardship and stress on multiple levels. On the other end of the spectrum I’ve heard from students who have taken on new jobs that are essential to the pandemic. I’ve been so proud to hear of their social responsibility to help out, but this too can be stressful, especially while trying to juggle academic responsibilities.

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“I think the most important factor is for students to know when they can handle things on their own and when they need to reach out and ask for help.”

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We know that stress, in whatever form, can affect academic performance. I think the most important factor is for students to know when they can handle things on their own and when they need to reach out and ask for help. Asking for help can be hard to do, but is an important life skill. There is a lot of help available through resources at UTSA and beyond. UTSA has been helping students with computer access, the Roadrunner Pantry and telehealth counseling services. Or sometimes what’s needed most is the listening ear of a close friend or family member. It is my hope that no one struggles through this pandemic on their own, especially amidst such hardship. Social support is one of the most robust protective factors for mental health.

What are some things you would recommend UTSA students do to help themselves feel connected with the campus community?

There are many ways for students to lead initiatives or participate in the campus community. Students should be on the lookout for events hosted by UTSA, like the recently held student town hall Dia en la Sombrilla. Or they might lead or be part of student activity groups that are continuing to meet together online.

Students may also feel a need to maintain connections with faculty through email or attending live classes. I recently hosted a Live Blackboard Collaborate office hours session and one student said she called in because she wanted to see me. I really appreciated that, and it helped me feel connected too. I miss my students!

Some students have voiced that they feel a sense of loss as they either never returned to campus after spring break or moved out their belongings. Are there any strategies they can use to cope with the grief they’re feeling?

First and foremost, it is OK to let oneself grieve such losses, and to deny that these are losses can feel very invalidating. Students might have needed to leave their physical location abruptly, but other important things, like friendships, can remain stable or sometimes become even stronger through shared experiences. It can be important to put these things into perspective and work to find ways to maintain important relationships from afar.

Milestones, especially big ones like for graduating seniors, are also very significant to recognize in one’s life. Though celebrating these milestones might look very different than what one originally anticipated, pausing to honor them in new and meaningful ways can make all the difference.

Students may be struggling to either stay focused on classwork or push themselves to put their all into it. Some are pursuing their studies in environments that are not as controlled or conducive to learning as a university classroom. How can they get back to a constructive state of mind?

One step at a time. When we think about everything that is going on right now, it can feel overwhelming and antimotivational. Instead, it can be useful to break things down into smaller, achievable pieces. For example, it can feel overwhelming to think about all that needs to be done for the remainder of the semester; however, setting smaller goals (for example, “Today I will read and study chapter 12”) can feel much more manageable. It can also be useful to set a structure to the day to complete those goals (for example, setting study hours with scheduled breaks), but make sure not to plan on studying when a lot of interruptions are anticipated, which can be self-defeating.

Another idea is to set up a reward system (for example, “If I study for two hours, I will take a break and watch the next episode of my favorite TV show,” or call a friend, etc.). Or if you like to study in groups some students have been studying together through Zoom, Microsoft Teams or other platforms, which has the added benefit of social connection. And finally, remember that “motivation” is not an essential ingredient. I can feel very unmotivated to exercise, but I can still push myself to hop on the treadmill and start putting one foot in front of the other.

Faculty at many universities have voiced concerns that the only social interaction some of their students are getting come during classes and coursework while physical distancing measures are in place. What can instructors do to help students open up and feel connected during these times?

I think this is true for both students and faculty. One of the most important things faculty can do for students is to regularly connect with them via email, Blackboard Collaborate or other means. Update them about the class, check in on how they are doing with the course content and let them know that they are there to support them. Students won’t reach out or open up if they don’t feel safe to do so, and faculty can’t help them if they don’t reach out. Such emails can also help students stay on track with the course, and know that their professor is monitoring student progress, which can in turn create a sense of accountability to motivate the student to keep going.

I also want to point out that I’ve witnessed students checking in on their professors, who may also be under pressure. I find that sense of common humanity so inspiring.

Is there anything else you’d like the UTSA Today readers to know about the mental health of students as we all weather this pandemic?

Practice “physical distancing,” not “social distancing.” Now is the time for Roadrunners—and everyone—to come together and support one another.

— Shea Conner

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