Academic Stress, Its Sources, Effects and Coping Mechanisms Among College Students

Aims: This article aims to review academic stress, its sources, effects and coping mechanisms among college students. Background: Stress has become part of students’ academic life due to the various internal and external expectations placed upon their shoulders. It therefore, becomes imperative to understand the sources and effects of academic stress. Academic stress refers to the emotional and physical strain experienced by students as a result of the demands and pressures of academic life. This stress can stem from various sources such as the pressure to perform well academically, the competition for grades and recognition, and the expectations set by peers, family, and society. Stress is always regarded as a psychological process that involves an individual’s personal interpretation and response to any threatening event. Coping is an important predictor of stress among college students. Individual used coping mechanisms to manage their stress and negative emotions. The way students cope with stress can have a significant impact on their stress levels and overall well-being. Findings: Majority of the students considered academic related stressors to be the source of high stress which is followed by inter and intra-personal related stressors. Gender, educational period, school type, family socioeconomic status, and father’s education were associated with academic stress. Watching movies and comedies, prayer, sharing their problems with friends, with their parents and teachers were mostly adopted by the students for coping their stress. Conclusion: The students are primarily stressed by the inadequacy of proper support. There are many personal and social factors that contribute to Students stress. Lack of clarification and unavailability of right career consultants contribute to unidirectional objectives, and even after they graduate, students become clueless and vulnerable in their jobs. Keywords: Academic stress, College students, Source of stress, Effect of stress, Coping mechanisms.