Analytical Research

1. A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF STRESS ON
STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE WITH
SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO HIGHER
EDUCATION
Ms Zaibun Nisa
Research Scholar, Department of Commerce
University of Lucknow

2. INTRODUCTION
• Psychological (mental) and/or physiological
(bodily) pressure response.
• Natural way of responding to demands and
pressures of life.
• Stress can be negative or positive.
• A person gives his best performance when there is
adequate level of stress in his life.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
• To find the causes of stress among students of
higher education.
• To find the impact of stress on academic
performance of students.
• To identify methods to maintain an adequate level
of stress among students of higher education.

4. Stress in higher education
• Insecurities - future opportunities and scope of
academic course.
• Extracurricular activities, increased workload and
financial problems.
• High level of thinking and understanding.
• More free and liberal environment.
• Peer relations - dress, behavior, friends.
• Balancing academics, peer activities, and home life –
time management
• Expectations from family and friends.

5. Stress
Academics Environment
Financial
Problems
Workload
Peer Relations
Parental
Pressure
Time
Management
Insecurities
Motivator to strive hard
and give peak
performance
Physical and
psychological
effects of stress
Careless attitude
towards their
studies
No / Mild Effect
Minimal/
Adequate
Effect
Excessive/
Prolonged
Effect

6. Effects of stress on students
• Physical
– Sweating
– Increased heart rate
– High blood pressure
– Muscle tension
– Headaches,
– Stomach aches
• Emotional
– Frustration
– Loneliness
– Helplessness
• Behavioral
– Reduce eating
– Drug or alcohol abuse
– Erratic sleep habits
• Cognitive
– Memory Loss
– Poor concentration
– Negative outlook
• Common Effects
– Feeling tired
– Insomnia
– Not feeling well

7. Academic Performance and Stress
• Indicators of academic performance
– regular and punctual to college
– actively participate in extracurricular activities
– possess better leadership quality
• Adequate level of stress works as motivator to
strive hard and give peak performance.
• High level of stress results in poor academic
performance.
• Students having no or mild stress possess careless
attitude towards their studies

8. Relationship between pressure and
performance

9. Maintenance of Adequate Stress
• Identifying inability to cope with stress.
• Keeping watch on academic performance.
• Selecting priorities, shedding burdens and taking
responsibilities.
• Making short term goals.
• Improving abilities to manage stress
– meditation, prayers, healthy socializing, time
management, planned studies and exercise
• Psychological counselling/medical help in extreme
conditions

11. Conclusion
• Academics, financial problems, peer pressure,
insecurities, workload, free environment and time
management – major stress factors.
• Stress is not always negative.
• Extremes of stress affects academic performance.
• A multimodal approach – strategy to manage and
maintain adequate stress.

12. Thank You