Anxiety, Depression and Stress Among University Students: The Mediator Role of Work in Time of COVID-19: The Mediator Role of Work in Time of COVID-19

Objective: This study explored the differences between working and non-working students in terms of mental health. Our aim is to investigate the effects of combining work and study in terms of prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress during this pandemic. Background: The overall impact of COVID-19 lockdown on education led to emotional disorders and the emergence of negative psychological effects. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 478 working and non-working students in Portugal. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was employed to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Data were collected using an online survey. Results: 32, 28 and 24% of university students show severe or extremely severe levels of anxiety, depression and stress, respectively. Significantly higher scores of depression and stress were reported by non-working students compared with working-students but no significant differences between both groups were found on anxiety. Conclusion: University working students presented a better psychological health compared to non-working students, who seem to have suffered a higher psychological impact during the COVID-19 time. Application: Academic psychological services may have to take preventive measures in future situations. More studies should be developed to better understand the mediator role of work in crisis situations. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.