College Student’s Perceived Symptoms of Stress in Relation to Academic Stressors

Brooke Edwards, Lindsay Vesling, Rita KnarrenborgDepartment of Health Sciences

Introduction Stress: a state of mental or emotional strain or

tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances

Problem Statement: College males experience stress on a daily basis that can have a negative impact on their studies and other aspects of their college experience. This stress needs to be identified by its presenting symptoms and coping mechanisms should be understood.

Research Purpose• This study aims to identify the physical and

psychological symptoms of stress among college male students

Research Questions1. What are some physical symptoms of stress

among college male students?2. What are some psychological symptoms of

stress among college male students?

Literature• Gadzella, B.M., Masten, W.G., Zascavage, V. (March 2009). Differences

among Three Groups of Men on Stress and Learning Processes. – Mildly stressed males processed information and retained facts better than

moderately or severely stressed males.• Pedersen, D. (September 2012). Stress Carry-Over and College Student

Health Outcomes.– Male students experienced more days of poor mental health versus poor

physical health and were more stressed because of academics versus family stressors.

• Rice,K. G. , VanArsdale, A.C. (October 2010). Perfectionism, Perceived Stress, Drinking to Cope, and Alcohol Related Problems among College Student.– Non-perfectionists experienced less stress and maladaptive perfectionists

were more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.

MethodResearch Design: It was a descriptive study that explored

the different types of symptoms that are related to academic stressors among college male students.

Subjects: A convenient sample of one hundred male college students from a private university located in Southern California.

Procedures: During March of 2014, participants were recruited at various locations on campus to partake in a three page long survey questionnaire that asked participants their perceived symptoms in relation to academic stressors.

Results

22%

21%

5%

2% 2%2%

7%

8%

15%

16%

Reported Symptoms of StressSurge of overwhelming panic (n=37)

Feeling of losing control (n=36)

Heart palpitations (n=8)

Feeling like you're going to pass out (n=4)

Trouble breathing (n=3)

Hyperventilation (n=4)

Hot flashes or chills (n=12)

Trembling or shaking (n=14)

Nausea or stomach cramps (n=26)

Feeling detached or unreal (n=27)

ResultsDisrupted Sleep Patterns

1-3 days per week

4-7 days per week

Every other week

Once a month

Less than once a month

Physical SymptomsInability to Focus 1-3 days per week

4-7 days per week

Every other week

Once a month

Less than once a month

Psychological Symptoms

Surge of overwhelming panic

Feeling detached or unreal

Feeling of losing controln= 27

n=36 n=37

1. Disrupted Sleep2. Inability to Focus3. Surges of

Overwhelming Panic4. Feeling as if they are

losing control 5. Feeling detached or

unreal

For Students:– Seek Spiritual Health

For Administrators:– Periodical

announcement to classes that counseling services are available on campus

Conclusion Recommendations

ReferencesGadzella, B. M. (March 2009). Differences among Three Groups of Men on Stress and Learning Processes. Individual Differences Research, 7(9), 29-39.

Pedersen, D. (September 2012). Stress Carry-Over and College Student Health Outcomes. College Student Journal, 46(3), 620-628.

Rice, K. G. (October 2010). Perfectionosm, Perceived Stress, Drinking to Cope, and Alcohol Related Problems among College Students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(4), 439-450.