#674 - Stress & Hope in College
Why do some college students stay grounded under pressure while others struggle to keep their balance? Turkish researchers questioned how important hope is when students try to control their perceived stress and life satisfaction over time.
They surveyed 250 college students who completed questionnaires about their perceived stress, hope, and life satisfaction. Results? High levels of stress were associated with higher anxiety, depression, and reduced well-being. However, students who had higher hopes and plans to reach their goals had lower levels of stress and more satisfaction in their lives. Their hope was based on their confidence in their capacity to succeed, as they expected a positive, successful outcome.
If you are stressed, anxious, and fear failure in your work, focus on your goal. Then figure out ways to be more successful. Break down the goal into subgoals to reach and identify the sub-steps to get there. Schedule more study hours to achieve success. Set up specific, step-by-step goals and rewards for achieving success. Study with others who are motivated to succeed, who model studying earnestly well, and encourage each other’s success. Plan and work hard so you have a hope of success, thus less stress. All are essential to success.
Written by Aubrey Zazula, Psych Undergrad