How Does Stress Affect College Students
Danielle Wallace and Jayna Baumler
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Jayna E. Baumler, Nursing, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Danielle Wallace, Nursing, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.
Authors contributed equally to this report.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Jayna E. Baumler, Nursing department, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, Email: baumleje@uwec.edu .
EFFECTS OF STRESS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS
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Abstract
This paper explores five published articles that report on results found from research conducted in order to find the effects of stress on college students. Countless research has been done to discover the effect stress has on many individuals. This paper shows the many negative effects that can come from the stress a students experiences throughout their time in college. High levels of stress in college students is known to cause mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and can also lead to a . Students who have trouble handling stress in healthy ways are often found binge drinking several times a month. Not only can stress cause negative consequences for a college student, but it can also be a positive part of their lives. Students that handle stress in healthy ways may use exercising and eating healthy as a coping mechanism to help manage their stress levels.
EFFECTS OF STRESS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS
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Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. This “strain or tension” caused by constant demands can take tolls on people in ways that can have lasting effects, both mental and physical. College is a time in which students are faced with many new adjustments, constant schoolwork, and the anxiety of what the future has in store for them. Because of countless various factors in a college student's life, stress is something that is a very prevalent factor.
Multiple studies have shown that stress weakens immune functioning, and contributes to many types of illnesses.
Stress in college students has been found to cause many physical negative consequences, but emotional problems as well. College students in particular undergo high levels of stress in their daily lives that are often caused from academic responsibilities and social pressures (Jamie
Bodenlos, Marleah Noonan, Stephanie Wells, 2013). Many of these students who don’t handle stress in healthy ways suffer academically, have psychological problems, and begin to avoid family and friend relationships. Research has recently found that 44.7 percent of college students between the ages of 18 and 24 have consumed 5 or more drinks during one occasion in the last month. Weekly binge drinking is also common among many college students due to stress.
Evidence suggests that students who participate in binge drinking on a weekly basis are more likely to be at risk for patterns of alcohol abuse and dependence in their future. College students who don’t drink responsibly continue to suffer many consequences. In 2005, 1,825 students died from alcohol related injuries, including car accidents. Not only is alcohol consumption an issue among many college students, but mental health problems are as well.
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High levels of stress cause many mental health problems in college students. In 2008, it was reported by the American College Health Association that more than one in three students stated “feeling so depressed it was difficult to function” (Justin Hunt, Daniel Eisenberg, 2010).
Almost half of college students reported having at least one mental health disorder, including anxiety and mood disorders. College students are also more likely to turn to alcohol as a way of relieving stress, rather
