UNC study finds first-years face mental health struggles because of distance learning and social isolation

By Ben Rappaport

A new UNC study shows the mental health of first-year college students has been declining during the pandemic. They are particularly struggling with social isolation and adapting to distance learning. First-years reported symptoms of depression and anxiety more often than before the coronavirus pandemic. Jane Cooley Fruewirth is a faculty fellow at the UNC Population Center and was one of the researchers on the study.

Carolina Connection’s Ben Rappaport spoke with Professor Fruehwirth about the study’s findings, and the lasting mental health effects of COVID-19.