Beyond the academic context: perceived stress, coping, and substance use among university students

Although loneliness and interpersonal difficulties are major stressors for students, their potential links with substance use remain surprisingly understudied, even though they may significantly shape consumption behaviors. This study explored the relationship between dimensional perceived stress and substance use among students and examined the influence of coping strategies on these behaviors. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March to September 2024 using three validated French-language scales: the Freshman Stress Scale, the Ways of Coping Checklist, and an adapted ASSIST questionnaire assessing a large range of substances. The sample included 636 students (mean age = 21.3 years, SD = 4.2; 78% female). A total of 81% of students used alcohol, 37% non-prescribed substances, 32% tobacco, 15% cannabis, 14% prescribed psychostimulants, and 9% sedatives/tranquilizers. Stress related to interpersonal difficulties was significantly associated with use of tobacco (p < .05), alcohol (p < .05) and both occasional (p < .05) and frequent (p < .001) cannabis use. Emotion-focused coping strategies were linked to higher use of sedatives/tranquilizers (p < .001), prescribed psychostimulants (p < .001), and non-prescribed substances (p < .05). Considering several stressors related to substance use and promoting adaptive strategies and emotional flexibility appear essential for students' well-being.