A Study on Stress Levels and Coping Strategies Among College Students

Background: College life is a transitional phase marked by increased autonomy, academic challenges, and psychosocial demands, which often contribute to elevated stress levels. Stress may negatively influence academic performance, emotional well-being, and physical health. Understanding stress levels and associated coping strategies is essential to inform targeted interventions. Objective: To assess stress levels and coping strategies among college students. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 86 undergraduate and postgraduate students selected through convenience sampling. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used to measure stress levels. Sources of stress and coping strategies were evaluated using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: Most students reported moderate stress, characterized by occasional feelings of overload, lack of control, and nervousness. Academic workload, examination pressure, time management issues, financial concerns, family expectations, and career uncertainty emerged as prominent stressors. Problem-focused coping (e.g., planning, active problem solving) was employed inconsistently, whereas emotion-focused strategies (e.g., social support, hobbies) were common. Avoidance coping (e.g., excessive social media use, distraction) was moderately prevalent. More than half of participants reported negative impacts of stress on academic performance. Conclusion: College students experience moderate levels of stress influenced by academic, financial, social, and personal factors. While adaptive coping strategies are used to some extent, maladaptive coping behaviors are also common. Strategies to enhance adaptive coping and structured stress-management programs are recommended.