ABSTRACT
The study investigated the sources of academic stress among university students in Nigerian Universities. Specifically, the study aimed to empirically ascertain the sources of stress among students, to find out the level among the students, and as well to identify the stress coping strategies adopted by students. The study also aimed at ascertaining if students level of stress differs in terms of some selected demographic variables (age, gender, and academic level). To achieve this aim, four research questions were raised and three hypothesis generated. The study population comprised of students of the University of Benin, and Benson Idahosa University, Benin city, Edo state, of which a sample of 200 respondents were conveniently selected. A survey design which entails the use of structured questionnaire in obtaining data on the subject matter was adopted in sampling the opinions of the respondents. A total of 200 copies of the questionnaire was sent out to the respondents after due validation by the researcher’s supervisor, however, only 154 (approximately 770%) copies were retrieved and used for analysis. The study employed the use of simple frequency, mean, Independent sample t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in analyzing the data. Findings in the study indicated that; there is a high level of stress among university students, the major type/sources of stress confronting the students were academic and psychological stress, and students have a preference for independently managing their stress and tend to employ indirect approaches to cope with it. They rarely turn to negative habits or behaviors to deal with stress, regardless of its intensity. More so, the result indicated a lack of significant difference in the level of stress in terms of the selected demographic variables. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things that; Tertiary institutions should endeavour to implement comprehensive and enhanced stress management programs within universities, focusing on equipping students with effective coping mechanisms tailored to the specific stressors they encounter, particularly academic and psychological challenges.
