A Photo-Elicitation Study of Mental Health Challenges and Student Persistence through the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research shows that disruptions to schooling are occurring more frequently than previously imagined. Schools close for days to weeks due to climate-induced disruptions (i.e., hurricanes), violent disruptions (i.e., school shootings), and even physical disruptions (i.e., prevalence of mold). In this study, we focused on the disruption of COVID-19 and examined how FGCS addressed challenges to their schooling and persistence. Here we examined the lived experiences of over 200 First-Generation College Students (FGCS) across six US universities in 2020–2021 and using a photo-elicitation approach. Participants submitted photographs of their personal and academic spaces alongside written reflections, which were analyzed using a researcher-led thematic analysis. The analysis revealed respondents facing mental health struggles, challenges around space, and inadequacy of environments. Some FGCS reported practicing resiliency, flexibility, and strength. This study contributes essential insights for educators and policymakers, emphasizing the crucial support needed for FGCS to navigate academic challenges during crises.