A challenge or a threat : Exploring expressive writing as a reframing tool to cope with the transition to online learning

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has extensively impacted upon society and limited opportunities for social interaction due to government regulations. University students have been required to adapt to a transition from classroom to online based learning, with a subsequent loss of resources and study-specific venues for social interaction. In general, university students are identified as being at increased risk of experiencing mental health issues; social isolation and loneliness incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can further contribute to students’ vulnerability. The present study explores student attitudes concerning the transition to online studies using the theoretical foundation of Challenge and Threat states, and examines the utility of Written Emotional Disclosure to improve student coping. The study was undertaken with 45 students (23 women, 22 men; aged between 18-35 years) attending Umeå University. Data were collected during the completion of an online based expressive writing intervention. Participants were instructed to write about their experience of the transition to online studies, and reflect upon how they could develop strategies to cope with possible academic difficulties. Participants also reported levels of general anxiety, positive and negative affect, emotional and social loneliness, challenge, threat, worry, and confidence. Data analysis revealed that students’ reporting heightened levels of general anxiety as well as emotional loneliness were more likely to experience the transition as threatening and were more prone to excessive worry. No statistically significant intervention effects were found. Limitations of the present study are discussed and future research is proposed.