Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education

Abstract This study examines the impact of academic stress, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on the mental health of university students. Using a mixed methodology, quantitative data obtained through a validated questionnaire and qualitative data collected in focus groups were combined, providi...

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Main Authors: David Pérez-Jorge, Majda Boutaba-Alehyan, Ana Isabel González-Contreras, Itahisa Pérez-Pérez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Nature 2025-03-01
Series:Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04698-y
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author David Pérez-Jorge
Majda Boutaba-Alehyan
Ana Isabel González-Contreras
Itahisa Pérez-Pérez
author_facet David Pérez-Jorge
Majda Boutaba-Alehyan
Ana Isabel González-Contreras
Itahisa Pérez-Pérez
author_sort David Pérez-Jorge
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study examines the impact of academic stress, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on the mental health of university students. Using a mixed methodology, quantitative data obtained through a validated questionnaire and qualitative data collected in focus groups were combined, providing a comprehensive picture of stress’s physical, psychological, and behavioral manifestations in 256 students at the Faculty of Education of the University of La Laguna. Quantitative results show that the main stressors are homework overload, assessment pressure, and difficulty reconciling academic and personal life. The qualitative analysis delves into how students perceive and manage these factors, revealing strategies such as planning and emotional support to mitigate stress. The combined findings suggest institutional interventions to reduce academic stress and promote an environment conducive to students’ holistic well-being.
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publisher Springer Nature
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spelling doaj-art-df31e40deee243bcbd631d5d941d5a852025-08-20T02:49:32ZengSpringer NatureHumanities & Social Sciences Communications2662-99922025-03-0112111310.1057/s41599-025-04698-yExamining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher educationDavid Pérez-Jorge0Majda Boutaba-Alehyan1Ana Isabel González-Contreras2Itahisa Pérez-Pérez3University of La LagunaUniversity of La LagunaUniversity of ExtremaduraUniversity of ExtremaduraAbstract This study examines the impact of academic stress, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on the mental health of university students. Using a mixed methodology, quantitative data obtained through a validated questionnaire and qualitative data collected in focus groups were combined, providing a comprehensive picture of stress’s physical, psychological, and behavioral manifestations in 256 students at the Faculty of Education of the University of La Laguna. Quantitative results show that the main stressors are homework overload, assessment pressure, and difficulty reconciling academic and personal life. The qualitative analysis delves into how students perceive and manage these factors, revealing strategies such as planning and emotional support to mitigate stress. The combined findings suggest institutional interventions to reduce academic stress and promote an environment conducive to students’ holistic well-being.https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04698-y
spellingShingle David Pérez-Jorge
Majda Boutaba-Alehyan
Ana Isabel González-Contreras
Itahisa Pérez-Pérez
Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
title Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education
title_full Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education
title_fullStr Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education
title_full_unstemmed Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education
title_short Examining the effects of academic stress on student well-being in higher education
title_sort examining the effects of academic stress on student well being in higher education
url https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04698-y
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