EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN: THE ONLINE EDUCATION PRESSURE, FEAR OF FAILING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been around for a long time in Pakistan and it has resulted in the shutting down of education sector over a long period of time. Despite this hurdle, government has implemented Online Education System in universities throughout Pakistan. But this online education system comes with its own caveats and problems. The many gaps and oversights in Pakistan's online education system as well problems of being developing country have all contributed to deterioration of students' mental health. This article focuses on negative effects this lockdown and online education has caused on student's studies, how their mental health has deteriorated over the time span of online classes. The questionnaires were designed to assess online education pressure, psychological distress and fear of failing in students. Findings shows that online education pressure has caused a severe and significant increase in student's Psychological Distress, especially in context of Fear of Failure. This study will help policy makers in solving the issue of psychological distress in students by taking appropriate steps and adopting better strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]