Many students suffer from chronic conditions that can affect their psychological well-being and therefore potentially affect their academic outcomes. Indeed, previous studies suggest that students with chronic conditions have lower subjective well-being (Shaminqov et al., 2020) and more cognitive difficulties (Taras & Potts-Dakema, 2005). Furthermore, the study by Herts et al. (2014) suggests that feelings of loneliness mediate the relationship between chronic illness and quality of life. On the other hand, the study by Traino et al. (2019) seems to indicate a possible protective role of grit. However, relatively few studies have directly examined the impact of chronic illness and mental health (depressive and anxiety symptoms) among students. The aim of the present study is to examine the impact of having one of four chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome) on students' depressive and anxiety symptoms. Second, to assess the mediating and/or moderating effects of feelings of loneliness and grit.
Six hundred and twenty-nine students took part in the study. They were divided into five groups: sixty-five students with endometriosis, sixty-two with diabetes, thirty-six with asthma, twenty-one with irritable bowel syndrome, and four hundred and forty-five students without chronic diseases, the control group. All participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on anxiety and depressive symptoms, a questionnaire on grit, and finally, a questionnaire on feelings of loneliness.
The results indicated that chronic illness increases the risk of experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms. In addition, feelings of loneliness play a moderating role between the perceived impact of illness and anxiety and depressive symptoms by increasing these symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of assisting students with chronic illness, and in particular, preventing their social isolation.