Lecturer from University of Northampton leads research on lockdown mental health among students and academics

A lecturer from the University of Northampton is leading a research project that is looking into how academics and students across the country are coping during the lockdown.

Karishma Jivraj, who is a lecturer in mental health and health psychology, is asking what the key stressors for academics and students across the UK have been and the coping mechanisms they have employed.

The aim is to use the findings to help better understand and support their mental health and wellbeing to prepare them for the next challenges the pandemic could set.

Karishma said: “Personally, I have noticed some changes to the way I am coping during this time.

“Although I’ve always been a fan of yoga and mindfulness, I feel being indoors more often has helped me engage with this side of myself more as well as doing some basic DIY and cooking exotic meals – these are my therapy.

“But on the flip side, I have noticed changes to my mood and satisfaction when I am out of my routine or see that others seem to be doing a lot more with their time.

“Every academic and student will have different and unique stories to tell, so to help get the fullest account possible of how we are coping and why, I hope colleagues across the academic spectrum will take part in this research.”

The research involves an anonymous questionnaire, with questions exploring sleeping patterns, physical activity and work/family life balance.

Volunteers can also share their experiences in more detail by having an interview with a member of the research team.

Find out more and take part in the research here.

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