PSYCHODIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ STRESS LEVELS: THE CASE OF ACADEMIC PRESSURE
Keywords:
academic stress, psychodiagnostic assessment, students, academic pressure, mental health, higher education.Abstract
Academic stress has become one of the most significant psychological challenges faced by university students in modern educational systems. Increasing academic demands, competitive environments, time constraints, and expectations from family and society contribute to elevated stress levels, which may negatively affect students’ mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. The present study aims to psychodiagnostically assess stress levels among university students with a particular focus on academic pressure as a primary stressor. The research employs standardized psychodiagnostic instruments, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and an Academic Stress Questionnaire, to evaluate the intensity and sources of stress. A quantitative research design was used, involving undergraduate students from various academic disciplines. The findings reveal that academic pressure is a dominant factor contributing to moderate to high stress levels among students. Significant correlations were identified between stress levels and academic workload, examination anxiety, and fear of academic failure. The study highlights the importance of early psychodiagnostic assessment and psychological intervention to prevent long-term negative consequences of academic stress. The results may serve as a basis for developing stress management programs and psychological support services within higher education institutions.
References
Bedewy, D., & Gabriel, A. (2015). Examining perceptions of academic stress and its sources among university students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 35(2), 193–206.
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer.
Misra, R., & McKean, M. (2000). College students’ academic stress and its relation to their anxiety, time management, and leisure satisfaction. American Journal of Health Studies, 16(1), 41–51.
Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4), 385–396.
Stallman, H. M. (2010). Psychological distress in university students: A comparison with general population data. Australian Psychologist, 45(4), 249–257.
Sarafino, E. P., & Smith, T. W. (2014). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions. Wiley.
Robotham, D., & Julian, C. (2006). Stress and the higher education student: A critical review. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 30(2), 107–117.
