Substance Use Changes over the Pandemic in a College Sample
Faculty Department
Psychology
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
K324
Zoom Link
Start Date
26-2-2025 11:35 AM
End Date
26-2-2025 11:55 AM
Description (Abstract)
Background. Recent studies have shown mixed results on how college substance use has changed over the coronavirus pandemic. Although there has been prior research, many studies only focused on one specific substance, only sampled individuals with addiction, or only studied frequent users. Method. The current study sampled 115 undergraduate students at a commuter college in the suburban northeast. We used an online survey to assess changes in substance use, mental health, screen time, and exercise habits. Results. The data suggested that mental health issues increased in this sample since before the pandemic, while alcohol use has largely stayed the same. Conclusion. Continued research in diverse college settings is needed on this important topic to better understand how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted college students’ mental health and substance use.
Keywords
COVID, coronavirus, pandemic, alcohol, drugs, college
Related Pillar(s)
Study
Substance Use Changes over the Pandemic in a College Sample
K324
Background. Recent studies have shown mixed results on how college substance use has changed over the coronavirus pandemic. Although there has been prior research, many studies only focused on one specific substance, only sampled individuals with addiction, or only studied frequent users. Method. The current study sampled 115 undergraduate students at a commuter college in the suburban northeast. We used an online survey to assess changes in substance use, mental health, screen time, and exercise habits. Results. The data suggested that mental health issues increased in this sample since before the pandemic, while alcohol use has largely stayed the same. Conclusion. Continued research in diverse college settings is needed on this important topic to better understand how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted college students’ mental health and substance use.
Short Biography
Jennifer Elliott has a PhD in clinical psychology from Syracuse University. She is a NY state licensed psychologist and is Certified in Public Health. Prior to coming to Molloy, she was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry and a Research Scientist at New York State Psychiatric Institute. She joined the Molloy psychology department in Fall 2021 as an Assistant Professor and is now an Associate Professor. She has started three undergraduate research projects in her time at Molloy. The current study represents work conducted with recent graduates Madison Wakely, Halle Trahey, and Nicholas Bolognini. This work was presented at the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) conference in Philadelphia in 2024, and is currently under review for publication.