Effect of Academic Stress at Mental Health of Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The study looks at how undergraduate students' mental well-being is affected by academic stress, emphasizing how academic pressures contribute to mental health challenges. Academic stress can appear in various forms, such as frustration, pressure, and anxiety, and may lead to both mental and physical health issues. Factors like parental expectations, peer influence, and extracurricular activities intensify this stress. University life brings additional challenges, such as increased academic demands, decision-making responsibilities, and separation from family, which heighten students' vulnerability to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted with 150 students at Superior University, Lahore, using structured questionnaires to assess their academic stress and mental health. The results showed that 79% of students experience high levels of academic stress, while 72% report moderate mental health. The study found a significant negative correlation between academic stress and mental health, meaning that higher stress levels are linked to poorer mental health. Additionally, higher academic stress was associated with health problems. The research concludes that universities must implement strategies to reduce academic stress and promote students' mental well-being. Despite the high levels of stress, many students effectively manage their mental health through various coping mechanisms. The study suggests further research with larger samples and emphasizes that interventions to manage academic stress are crucial for improving students' academic performance and overall well-being.