STRESS MANAGEMENT

This study examined the influence of socio-cultural factors on stress management among undergraduates in the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing concern over the increasing rate of stress among university students and the limited attention given to the socio-cultural dimensions that influence stress experiences and coping mechanisms. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to allow for the collection of data from a large and diverse population of students. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to a purposive sample of 100 undergraduates drawn from various faculties of the university. The instrument was divided into sections covering demographic characteristics, triggers of stress, stress prevalence, socio-cultural influences, and stress management techniques. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages to interpret students’ responses. The findings revealed that academic workload, financial challenges, family expectations, and peer pressure were the major stressors among students. The study further showed that female students experienced higher levels of stress than their male counterparts