Amy Bintliff, a developmental psychologist and professor in the University of California, San Diego’s department of education studies, said that there are some small things this negative experience may improve for some people — students and faculty are learning new skills and becoming more independent. But overall growth, flourishing and a sense of purpose are all important parts of well-being, she said. Clinging to purpose, with small goals as well as large ones, may make the experience easier. “This experience, if we think of it as a growth experience,” she said, “I think we’ll be able to get through it.”
