Influence of distance learning on mental health of applicants of higher education institutions of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Abstract

The problem of the impact of distance learning on the mental health of applicants of higher education institutions of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) is considered in the article. It was found out that distance learning has both positive and negative aspects. The most significant positive aspects include the possibility of distance learning, which is important in the conditions of prevention the spread of COVID-19 among the applicants. There are also a number of advantages in mastering of important professional skills, including: the development of independence; the formation of critical thinking; improving the use of modern information technologies and others. At the same time, it has been determined that online learning in the conditions of indefinite duration and social isolation has a negative impact on the mental health of applicants of higher education institutions of the SES of Ukraine. The indicators of the studied criteria do not depend on the age peculiarities of the respondents, but at the same time they depend on the educational status and gender factors. The students of higher education institutions have a decrease of general well-being and quality of life, and an increase of anxiety. No significant differences were found among the cadets. The respondents of both groups have difficulty with attention focusing and memorizing of new learning material. At the same time the authors presume that if the duration of quarantine measures is increased, it is quite possible to break the adaptation barrier among the cadets, that will have a negative impact on their mental health and social skills.