A Questionnaire Dataset on Perceived Stress in Indian Higher Education Students during Emergency Remote Learning

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychology
• Education

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition to Emergency Remote Learning.
• This shift profoundly affected university students' mental well-being.
• Understanding stressors in this new learning environment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To visualize and analyze stressors contributing to university students' stress.
• To explore environmental and instructional factors influencing perceived stress.
• To identify key demographic and situational correlates of student stress.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey utilizing the Modified Perceived Stress Scale.
• Inclusion of 20 Likert scale items specific to Emergency Remote Learning.
• Statistical analyses including t-tests, correlation, and frequency distributions.

Main Results:

• Frequent thoughts of unaccomplished tasks were a significant stressor (14.12%).
• Feelings of nervousness, perceived lack of control, and mounting difficulties increased stress.
• Sudden transition to remote learning, age 21, living arrangements, internet issues, and COVID-19's impact on relationships were key factors.

Conclusions:

• Stress during Emergency Remote Learning is complex, influenced by multiple factors.
• Institutions must address psychological and instructional aspects to support students.
• Targeted interventions are needed to mitigate stress in remote learning settings.