Infection Control Measures in the Classroom During and in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multidimensional Analysis of Secondary Student Well-Being and Emotions.

Background: In our research, we investigated student state and habitual well-being in school during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (after schools reopened) and analyzed their associations to measures in schools aimed at preventing ongoing infectious diseases.

Methods and measures: We conducted two interventional field studies in Swiss lower secondary education (Grades 8 and 9, students aged 13-15 years) to compare trait and state well-being during three different study conditions: no infection control measure, facial mask mandates, and the temporary installation of portable air cleaners in classrooms.

Results: In Study 1, student enjoyment in school significantly decreased over time and their physical complaints increased. Students reported significantly higher negative activation with masks and air filters when compared to no infectious control measures. However, their negative activation significantly decreased over time with the mask, whereas it increased without measures. In Study 2, student worries in school significantly decreased over time. In one class, students reported an increase in positive activation and valence without air cleaners. In the other class, positive activation and concentration increased with air cleaners and negative activation decreased without air filters.

Implications for school health and conclusions: Results suggest that infection control measures in school can have short term positive and negative effects on students' self-reported state well-being while not significantly impeding student's habitual well-being. For school health, students might benefit psychologically in times of crisis when they understand the implementation of measures as actions of care and safety.