Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between emotions and concerns stemming from COVID-19 and the academic engagement of social work students, taking into account the mediating role played by resilience.
Method: We carried out a cross-cutting quantitative study by means of an online questionnaire. The participants comprised a total of 474 students currently enrolled on the Degree in Social Work at the University of Valencia (Spain).
Results: The results show that the effects of emotions and concerns stemming from COVID-19 on student engagement were fully mediated by resilience. Indeed, positive emotions and concerns about the future had a positive impact on student engagement through resilience.
Discussion: Resilience stands as a potential protective factor against the social and academic challenges generated by COVID-19. The pandemic could therefore be seen as a real opportunity for sweeping change in the teaching and practice of social work.
Keywords: COVID-19; Social work; academic engagement; higher education; resilience.