STRESS

This study examined the influence of stress on the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 282 students via structured questionnaires. Results showed that academic workload and clinical responsibilities were major stressors, with 44.9% and 76.4% of students respectively reporting significant stress related to these areas. While 76.4% found peer and instructor support beneficial for managing stress, 40.6% indicated limited access to coping resources. Stress was found to negatively impact concentration, motivation, examination performance, and information retention among many students. Despite these challenges, students commonly employed coping strategies such as listening to music, social interaction, and spiritual practices. The majority endorsed interventions including time management workshops, peer support groups, and counselling services to mitigate stress. Recommendations focus on implementing structured support systems and stress management programs to enhance academic outcomes and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of continuous evaluation to improve nursing education.

This study examined the relationship between stress and academic performance among final-year students in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. Stress, as a response to academic, financial, and personal pressures, often exceeds students’ coping capacities and affects their academic outcomes. The research aimed to assess the effect of stress on performance, identify its major causes, and examine coping mechanisms among students. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (1984), the study employed an explanatory design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 150 students selected via stratified random sampling across six departments and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency distributions. Findings revealed that most students frequently experience academic-related stress, which intensifies during their final year. The major sources of stress were financial difficulties, examinations, and project work. The study further discovered that stress negatively affects students’ concentration, motivation, and overall academic performance, often leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. Many students reported experiencing burnout and health-related issues resulting from prolonged academic pressure. Sleeping and talking to friends or family were the most common coping strategies, while only a few students sought professional help, indicating inadequate use of institutional support systems The study recommended establishing stronger mental health services, reducing academic workloads, and improving communication between students and faculty. It concludes that unmanaged academic stress has a significant adverse effect on students’ performance and well-being, emphasizing the need for proactive institutional interventions to promote healthier coping mechanisms and academic success

Stress and mental health challenges among university students have become a growing concern, impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well being. This study investigates the prevalence, causes, and coping mechanisms of stress among students at the University of Benin. Using a survey method, data was collected from a diverse group of students to examine key stressors such as academic workload, financial challenges, and social pressures. The study also explores how demographic factors, including age, gender, year of study, and socioeconomic background, influence students’ mental health experiences. The study is grounded in the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping by Lazarus and Folkman (1984), which emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environment in determining stress responses. Findings reveal that academic workload is the most significant stressor, with 70% of students reporting it as their primary concern. Financial constraints, social relationships, and future uncertainties also contribute to mental health challenges. While students adopt various coping strategies such as social interaction, physical exercise, and relaxation techniques, only 15% seek professional mental health support, highlighting barriers such as stigma and lack of accessibility. Based on these findings, thestudy recommends the implementation of university-led mental health programs, including peer support initiatives, stress management workshops, and increased access to affordable counseling services. Universities should also integrate financial aid programs and career counseling to help students manage academic and financial pressures. Addressing mental health challenges among students is crucial for fostering a more supportive academic environment that promotes well-being, resilience, and overall student success.

This research work centered on the effects of stress on employees productivity, and performance using the Uniben table Water employees as a case study. Stress in this context has been recently known as a significant problem which that affect the job performance, productivity and also the employees’ health generally. Six research questions and two research hypotheses were adopted in this study. The major objective or purpose of the study is to examine or assess the effect of stress on employees’ productivity and performance among Uniben Water employees. In achieving this, the descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised of all employees of Uniben Table Water, of which has three departments; administrative department having 5 employees, Sales department having 32 employees and production department having 65 employees. This gives a total of 102 employees of Uniben Table Water. Data collected through the administered questionnaires, were analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency distribution and percentages and the inferential statistics of involved the use of ANOVA. From the findings, it was revealed that there is high level of stress felt among Uniben Table Water employee. Also the study also revealed that dysfunctional stress lowers the performance and productivity of employees as well as reduce job commitment. The researcher recommended there should be well defined job functions and clearly stated job roles, Management should also invest in stress management strategies that will help increase job performance and productivity and finally Management should improve working environment to enable carrying out of job functions easy and reduce stress