Obstacles to Social Participation on University of Montana Campus

Presentation Type

Poster

Faculty Mentor’s Full Name

Rick Anderson

Faculty Mentor’s Department

Humanities and Sciences

Abstract / Artist's Statement

Obstacles to Social Participation on University of Montana Campus

Research has demonstrated that social interaction is a necessary aspect of psychological health particularly for college students. Increased social isolation as a result of COVID, has negatively impacted the ability of college students to adjust well to college life. Early studies illuminate a deleterious effect of social isolation on social competence in youth. There is also evidence of an increase in depression and anxiety, both of which are ameliorated by active socializing. The purpose of this study is to identify the obstacles students face in participating in social activities on campus. Data from anonymous surveys of 100 student participants revealed that 36% do not engage in any social activities on campus on a regular basis, and 28% reported only socializing on average one time per week. Therefore, over half of the students surveyed are engaging in social activities on campus one or less times per week. Of the students surveyed, 60% attributed social shyness/anxiety as a moderate or greater factor. The other obstacles most often reported included lack of knowledge about activities taking place, not having someone they know to accompany them, not having more information about what the activity would entail, wanting smaller group activities, and lack of time or that the activities occurred during class time.

Category

Social Sciences

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Apr 21st, 11:00 AM Apr 21st, 12:00 PM

Obstacles to Social Participation on University of Montana Campus

UC South Ballroom

Obstacles to Social Participation on University of Montana Campus

Research has demonstrated that social interaction is a necessary aspect of psychological health particularly for college students. Increased social isolation as a result of COVID, has negatively impacted the ability of college students to adjust well to college life. Early studies illuminate a deleterious effect of social isolation on social competence in youth. There is also evidence of an increase in depression and anxiety, both of which are ameliorated by active socializing. The purpose of this study is to identify the obstacles students face in participating in social activities on campus. Data from anonymous surveys of 100 student participants revealed that 36% do not engage in any social activities on campus on a regular basis, and 28% reported only socializing on average one time per week. Therefore, over half of the students surveyed are engaging in social activities on campus one or less times per week. Of the students surveyed, 60% attributed social shyness/anxiety as a moderate or greater factor. The other obstacles most often reported included lack of knowledge about activities taking place, not having someone they know to accompany them, not having more information about what the activity would entail, wanting smaller group activities, and lack of time or that the activities occurred during class time.