ASSESSMENT OF STRESSORS AND MANAGEMENT APPROACHES AMONG STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the possible sources of stress experienced by students, the series approaches taken to manage these stressors, how these stressors affect the academic performance of students, and the resources available to help these students manage stress in the University of Benin. This study employed the descriptive survey research design, which tends to describe stressors and management approaches among students in the University of Benin. There are sixty thousand (60,000) estimated undergraduates in the University of Benin. The sampling technique for this study is the purposive sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire which was personally administered by the researcher to the respondents. The validity of the instrument was established through the project supervisor and two other experts in the Department of Health Safety and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin. The test-retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The fully completed questionnaire was analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentage. This study found that stressors are associated with excess academic workload, pressure to perform well and get a high Gp, social challenges, challenging courses, time constraints contribute significantly to the level of stress experienced by students which are sources of stress to students. It is concluded that excess academic workload, time constraints, pressure to perform well are the major sources of stress among students in the University of Benin. The findings also reveal that students employ various coping strategies, such as time management, seeking social support, engaging in physical activity, and practicing relaxation techniques. It is advised that institutions should implement measures to reduce academic pressure, provide financial aid and enhance mental health services. By addressing these stressors through comprehensive policies and supportive environments, universities can significantly enhance the well-being and academic success of their students.