Nature, effects and coping strategies of stress among students of takoradi

Abstract

The study examined the nature, effects and coping strategies of stress among Takoradi Polytechnic students. A sample of 370 students was used. The Statistical Product and Services Solutions Computer Programme was used to analyse responses from questionnaire administered to respondents (students). Tables and charts (percentages) were used as illustrations where necessary. The study revealed that students indeed were stressed. The nature of stress among students of Takoradi Polytechnic was mainly related to exigencies of the Polytechnic’s physical and social environment. Other stressors were finances, time challenges, and personal idiosyncrasies. It was also revealed that students have their own means of coping with stress without the support of the Institution and these have consequent adverse effect on their academic activities. It is therefore recommended that, to relieve students of stress there must be institutional interventions like the provision of adequate lecture halls and halls of residence. The Polytechnic should also ensure that adequate academic resources are provided for students. The Guidance and Counselling Centre should also be well resourced and the professionals should make their presence felt on campus.