Gender differences in perceived stress and coping among college students
B Sue Graves1, Michael E Hall1, Carolyn Dias-Karch1
1Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America.
Plos One
|August 12, 2021
Summary
Undergraduate females report higher stress levels and utilize more emotion-focused coping strategies than males. This highlights the need for targeted stress management interventions for college students to improve well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Higher Education
- Health Sciences
Background:
- College students face significant academic, personal, and work-related stressors.
- Inadequate stress management skills can impede students' ability to balance responsibilities.
- Understanding these challenges is crucial for supporting student well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine stress levels and coping mechanisms in undergraduate students.
- To investigate gender differences in perceived stress and coping strategies.
- To inform interventions for effective stress management in higher education.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 448 undergraduate exercise science students.
- Administration of the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Cope during the 12th week of the semester.
- T-tests were employed to analyze gender differences in stress and coping.
Main Results:
- Female students reported significantly higher perceived stress than male students.
- Gender differences were observed in coping dimensions and specific strategies.
- Females more frequently used emotion-focused coping, including self-distraction, emotional support, instrumental support, and venting.
Conclusions:
- This study illuminates gender-specific patterns in perceived stress and coping among undergraduates.
- Educational interventions are recommended to equip students with lifelong healthy coping strategies.
- University faculty and officials should recognize these factors to support student well-being.
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