Social distancing, stress and unethical behavior: a study on Italian University students in the first period of isolation due to COVID-19

Some studies report high levels of perceived stress by university students in relation to academic misconduct [1]. Therefore, it seemed interesting to evaluate how and to what extent the social containment measures that have been put in place to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic can influence the relationship between stress and ethical/unethical behaviors in the population of university students. 282 students from 3 Universities in Italy, filled in an online questionnaire aimed at detecting socio-demographic information, the level of perceived stress, the degree of interference between home life and study activities, the perception of unethical behavior. Results show a high level of stress and more serious issues with relationships with other students. In addition, problems in obtaining adequate online informational support appear to increase perceptions of misconduct during exams and in relationships with professors.