Stress Management and Coping Mechanisms Among College Students: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The contemporary higher education environment has become increasingly demanding due to academic competition, technological influence, performance expectations, and career uncertainty. College students experience multidimensional stress arising from academic, psychological, social, and financial factors. Prolonged exposure to stress without adequate coping mechanisms may lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep disorders, and poor academic performance. The present study investigates the level of stress among college students, identifies major stressors, and evaluates the effectiveness of various stress management strategies. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 200 students using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The findings reveal that academic workload, examination anxiety, and future career concerns are the dominant stressors. Mean score analysis indicates that sleep disturbances and lack of concentration are the most significant consequences of stress. Coping mechanisms such as social support, recreational activities, and time management were found to be moderately effective, while structured techniques like meditation and professional counseling were underutilized. The study emphasizes the need for institutional-level interventions to promote psychological well-being and resilience among students.