Inclusive Leadership Impact on Student Emotional Well-Being After COVID-19

This systematic review investigates the significant mental health challenges faced by students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, who reported increased levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. A systematic review is a structured method for synthesizing research findings from multiple studies to draw comprehensive conclusions. This review examines findings from fourteen peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2024, using databases including EBSCO, ERIC, and Google Scholar for a comprehensive overview. Key themes include the critical role of inclusive leadership in fostering emotional well-being and the necessity of addressing systemic barriers in education. These themes highlight the importance of creating supportive educational environments that promote equity and resilience, especially for vulnerable populations. The findings reveal an urgent need for targeted interventions and underscore the lack of longitudinal studies and diverse sample populations. The relevance of these themes extends to educational leaders and policymakers, as they inform practices that can enhance student well-being and institutional effectiveness. Future research can employ mixed-methods approaches, integrating quantitative surveys to measure the impact of inclusive leadership on mental health outcomes and qualitative interviews to explore individual experiences. Addressing these gaps is essential for fostering inclusive educational settings in a post-pandemic world.