The Relationship between Students’ Sense of Belonging, Grit and Anxiety during Pandemic Times

Covid-19 restrictions in Italy have significantly reduced the ‘in-presence’ time spent with classmates and teachers. As a result, this new way of relating to one another has challenged many students by increasing anxiety depression. In such reality, protective factors as sense belonging (SB) Grit (GR) can reduce (ANX). Considering pandemic context, scope study is explore relationship between SB/GR ANX, risk factor understand whether these variables changes based on students’ grade level (GL): middle school (MS) versus high (HS). For purpose, total 451 from North/Central Italy, 71% F (M=15.07, ±2.46), which 266 HS, answered an online questionnaire Spring 2021. Data was analyzed doing correlation analysis, difference groups GL hierarchical regression SPSS 27. Results for analysis confirm that SB GR are positively related; when controlling differences via t-test higher MS. When measuring (Panorama Education, 2016) its impact state ANX (Spielberger et al., 1983) regression, decrease while increases particular HS students. These results highlight had greater specially reasons we encourage schools create environments they find strategies, community, assist developing grit.