Post-Secondary Student Stress: A Qualitative Descriptive Study (Preprint)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Excessive stress among post-secondary students has been routinely linked to negative academic and mental health outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to invite students to identify salient sources of stress within the post-secondary setting in order to facilitate improved measurement of student stress moving forward.METHODS: Focus group interviews were conducted with students from a variety of levels and areas of study. Data was thematically coded into major themes and sub themes, with direct quotes extracted for support.RESULTS: Five major themes of stress were identified, including academics, the learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal stressors, revealing a multidimensional concept of student stress.CONCLUSIONS: Underlying challenges were revealed, included time management, fear of failure, mental health literacy and education among staff and faculty, and campus inclusivity. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of existing literature and directions for future research are identified.