Fewer students in need of psychological guidance
The SSC had expected a large influx of new applications as the corona crisis caused more stress and anxiety in the UG’s student population. But the expected numbers have not materialised. This new trend surprised the centre, says student psychologist Eva Slot, who evaluates all new applications.
There are various reasons why students are now staying away from the SSC. Many students have gone home to their parents and may not want to do any sessions from home for privacy reasons. Others may want to wait until they can have their sessions face to face again.
Less stress
‘But we’ve also heard of students who feel like a weight’s been lifted off their shoulders and think they can do without a session for a while’, says Slot. Due to the corona measures, some of these students experience less stress from social interactions, and because of the uncertaintywithin the university about classes and exams, they may have fewer deadlines and obligations. ‘Some of the pressure has let up.’
However, the SSC is keeping a close eye on what will happen in the long term. ‘Once everything starts back up again at full speed, this may be extra stressful for the students.’