A Review of Microsystem Factors Related to Stress in Undergraduate Students Studying Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to review the existing literature about the factors that impact stress in undergraduate students studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD). Current undergraduate students are more stressed than their predecessors and the body of literature about stressed students is growing. However, CSD students' experience may differ from their non-CSD peers and there is a dearth of literature about stressed CSD students, in particular. Method This is a narrative review of the literature about the factors that impact stress in undergraduate students studying CSD. The review is structured using the ecological systems theoretical framework with an emphasis on the microsystems that encompass the most salient factors related to undergraduate students' stress. Factors such as family influence (e.g., parenting style, parent education), peer support, faculty relationships, minority status, technology, and individual health behaviors were explored in the literature using electronic databases. Conclusions This review of the literature suggests that a myriad of microsystem factors contribute to the stress of undergraduate CSD students. Although the review focuses on microsystem factors that are closest to students, it is important to situate the results in context. The mental health of college students was on the decline before COVID-19, and as the economic and public health of the nation and world shift, the urgency to attend to our students increases. This review contributes to the greater understanding of CSD students' experiences that will inform programmatic and individual support.