STRESS COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY PREGNANT STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING

Both being pregnant and being in school are important conditions and obligations at different points in ones life. Due to the fact that both of these things can be stressful and demanding, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress coping mechanisms used by pregnant student women in order to manage their stress. One research question and three hypotheses served as the basis for this investigation. For the purpose of the study, a convenient sample size of 178 participants was selected to participate. It was discovered that talking to a friend or family member was the most common method of coping utilised by the student women who were pregnant. However, there was not a statistically significant difference between the ages of the respondents, the colleges they attended, or the year in which they were enrolled in terms of the coping techniques they employ in order to manage their stress. It was inferred that specific guidance programmes geared toward helping these distinct groups of kids have a successful transition during this time of their education are required to be put into place.