College Student’s Perceived Symptoms of Stress in Relation to Academic Stressors Brooke Edwards, Lindsay Vesling, Rita Knarrenborg Department of Health Sciences

Introduction  Stress: a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances  Problem Statement: College males experience stress on a daily basis that can have a negative impact on their studies and other aspects of their college experience. This stress needs to be identified by its presenting symptoms and coping mechanisms should be understood.

Research Purpose This study aims to identify the physical and psychological symptoms of stress among college male students Research Questions 1.What are some physical symptoms of stress among college male students? 2.What are some psychological symptoms of stress among college male students?

Literature Gadzella, B.M., Masten, W.G., Zascavage, V. (March 2009). Differences among Three Groups of Men on Stress and Learning Processes. – Mildly stressed males processed information and retained facts better than moderately or severely stressed males. Pedersen, D. (September 2012). Stress Carry-Over and College Student Health Outcomes. – Male students experienced more days of poor mental health versus poor physical health and were more stressed because of academics versus family stressors. Rice,K. G., VanArsdale, A.C. (October 2010). Perfectionism, Perceived Stress, Drinking to Cope, and Alcohol Related Problems among College Student. – Non-perfectionists experienced less stress and maladaptive perfectionists were more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Method Research Design: It was a descriptive study that explored the different types of symptoms that are related to academic stressors among college male students. Subjects: A convenient sample of one hundred male college students from a private university located in Southern California. Procedures: During March of 2014, participants were recruited at various locations on campus to partake in a three page long survey questionnaire that asked participants their perceived symptoms in relation to academic stressors.

Results

Physical Symptoms Psychological Symptoms n=37

1.Disrupted Sleep 2.Inability to Focus 3.Surges of Overwhelming Panic 4.Feeling as if they are losing control 5.Feeling detached or unreal  For Students: – Seek Spiritual Health  For Administrators: – Periodical announcement to classes that counseling services are available on campus Conclusion Recommendations

References Gadzella, B. M. (March 2009). Differences among Three Groups of Men on Stress and Learning Processes. Individual Differences Research, 7(9), Pedersen, D. (September 2012). Stress Carry-Over and College Student Health Outcomes. College Student Journal, 46(3), Rice, K. G. (October 2010). Perfectionosm, Perceived Stress, Drinking to Cope, and Alcohol Related Problems among College Students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(4),