COVID-19 Pandemic: Addressing the Impact of Academic Uncertainties on Psychological Well-Being in Argentinian University Students during Social Isolation

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Academic Uncertainty Questionnaire (AUQ) in Argentinian university students (n = 584) during the COVID-19 social isolation. The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples (n = 292) to evaluate the dimensionality using factor analysis. Consequently, 57% of the variance was explained by five factors: "expectations and results", "support and pedagogical barriers", "invested effort", "environment and organization", and "socialization and motivation". This was verified through confirmatory factor analysis and adequately fit the data. Reliability analyses indicated that the questionnaire is reliable. It was also possible to confirm its divergent and convergent validity by contrasting AUQ with other instruments. Finally, the relationship between AUQ and sociodemographic characteristics was analyzed. Moreover, students coping with pandemic stress through avoidant strategies had a higher level of academic uncertainties, leading to sleep disruptions. In conclusion, the AUQ is a reliable and valid tool to assess student uncertainties in usual and modified contexts. The education system must be aware of the psychological impact of the pandemic on students, and must be prepared for future crises, taking into account social inequities and vulnerabilities.