Post-pandemic coping strategies and psychological symptoms in university students from Paraguay

Youth mental health is crucial for academic success and civic engagement; when well-being declines, core cognitive functions suffer, undermining individual potential and broader societal progress. The present investigation explores the differences in coping strategies and psychological symptoms among <i>N =</i> 328 Paraguayan university students during (2020) and after (2024) the COVID-19 pandemic, using a non-experimental, quantitative, and longitudinal trend, partial replication design based on Vuyk et al. (2023). Two cohorts of students (<i>n</i> = 164 per group) were evaluated, using the DASS-21 and COPE-28. The results show a significant increase in the overall use of coping strategies. Stress and depression levels increased, and anxiety levels remained clinically elevated. These findings underscore the need for universities to implement inclusive and sustainable policies that promote adaptive strategies, reduce psychological symptoms, and strengthen students' resilience to future challenges.