Correlates of Well-Being and Academic Outcomes Among Student Parents in College During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The present study examines the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the well-being and academic outcomes of student parents, a group that often faces significant challenges balancing parenthood with education. Using data from a national survey of 60,719 undergraduate students aged 18–24, including 795 student parents, statistical analyses compared student parents to nonparents, examining perceived stress and support, well-being, and academic success. Findings revealed that student parents reported higher levels of COVID-related and financial stress, less faculty support, and poorer health, mental health, and academic outcomes. Generalized linear models revealed student parents’ gender, perceived COVID-related stress, faculty and campus support, and academic stress to be key predictors of their well-being and academic performance. This study underscores the need for targeted support from institutions, faculty, and policymakers to address the unique challenges faced by student parents, especially during chronic stressful periods, to ensure a more equitable higher education environment.

Keywords

student parents well-being mental health stress academic performance

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