A cross-sectional examination of ontario graduate students’ levels of resilience and health related quality of life during the covid-19 pandemic: The CARE study

Graduate students balance several responsibilities which, in addition to pandemic-related pressures, might pose challenges to their mental wellbeing and resilience. The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine the self-reported resilience and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Ontario graduate students 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic; and (2) determine whether a relationship existed between graduate students’ resilience and HRQOL, in general, and based on gender and degree program. Participants completed an online survey containing demographics, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0. Data analyses involved computing measures of central tendency and dispersion for demographic characteristics and scales. Linear regression was employed. A total of 376 students participated. Participants reported low resilience (M = 26.04, SD = 6.31) and, with respect to HRQOL, high physical functioning (M = 91.63, SD = 14.28) and low role limitations due to emotional problems (M = 37.61, SD = 40.52). Participants who identified as non-binary scored lowest on each scale compared to their cisgender counterparts. Resilience was positively associated with HRQOL. It is concerning that graduate students’ resilience was low, as low resilience has been associated with a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Further, it is surprising that participants reported high physical functioning when engagement in physical activity – a component of physical functioning – has been associated with increased resilience among university students. Study findings may aid researchers and student affairs personnel in understanding graduate students’ levels of resilience and HRQOL during the COVID-19 pandemic.