Stress: Take Control

•Stress is the inability to cope with perceived or real (or imagined) threat to ones mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being which then results in a series of physiological responses and adaptations.

•The real or perceived threat will be different for every person depending on their environment and life experiences. (Seaward)

•Risk factors for stress are not clear-cut and vary from person to person

•Many different factors increase the amount of stress suffered by college students including:
oAcademic requirements
oFamilial issues
oFinancial concerns
oSocial situations
oRelationship matters

•Effects of these stressors on college students have consequences such as:
oImmune systems
oIncrease in colds and infections
oDifficulty concentrating
oDifficulty sleeping
oAnxiety
oFatigue

•Stress is identified among undergraduate students at MU as the number one factor affecting academic performance (NCHA)

•Despite steadily rising enrollment rates in US postsecondary institutions, weak academic performance and high dropout rates remain persistent problems among undergraduates (Zajacova)

•College-related stress has been found to be inversely related to academic performance among traditional undergraduates (Zajacova)

•Stress-related disorders are responsible for some 60-90% of all visits to health care professionals nationwide. (Grace)

•MU campus resources available for dealing with stress
oStudent health center
oCounseling center
oAcademic retention center

•Alternative mind body practices for dealing with stress
oTime management
oMaintaining proper nutrition
oRelaxation techniques
oExercise
oAdequate sleep
oDeveloping a support system

Sources:
Grace, Ted. Health problems of college students. Journal of American College Health. (1997).

National College Health Assessment (NCHA)
Seaward, B.L. Managing stress. (1996) Jones and Bartlett Publishers: Sudibury, MA.

Zajacova, Anna et al. Self-efficacy, stress, and academic success in college. (2005)

Category:

Education

Tags:

• FCM8420
• Spring 2009
• FCM 8420
• stress

[mvassmer]

Very practical advice. Helps with awareness.