PERCEIVED STRESS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between perceived stress, positive mental health and academic performance among university students.

Study Design: Correlational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Data was obtained from different universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan including Bahria University, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Foundation University, COMSATS University and Riphah International University from Dec 2018 to Apr 2019.

Methodology: Sample of 261 students of ages 19-25 years (mean age 21.17 ± 1.71 SD), recruited from BSprogrammes from different universities by using purposive sampling technique to explore the relationship between perceived stress, positive mental health and academic performance among university students. Respondents were assessed on Demographic form, Perceived Stress Scale and Warwick-Edinburg Mental Health Wellbeing Scale.

Results: Linear regression was run to study perceived stress as a significant predictor of positive mental health and academic performance of undergraduates. The students mean age was 21.17 ± 1.71 SD. The results showed perceived stress a significant predictor of positive mental health (R=0.487; R2=0.237, F=80.328, p<0.01) and academic performance (R=0.224; R2=0.050, F=13.636, p<0.01).

Conclusion: It is concluded from findings of this research that perceived stress has a significant negative impact on positive mental health and positive impact on academic performance.