Effect of Resilience on Self-Perceived Stress and Experiences on Stress Symptoms A Surveillance Report

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to examine the level of perceived stress, emotional syndromes and quality of life among students and evaluate if personal resources is associated with students’ stress level. All students were invited to participate. Socio-demographic characteristics and outcome measures including students’ physical and psychological well-being and their personal resource/resilience (optimism, perceived control and self-esteem) were assessed via validated self-reporting questionnaires. Although only half of the student participants experienced some form of emotional symptoms, about 86.8% of the students still reported to have endured higher to much higher than average level of perceived stress. Significantly higher level of perceived stress was experienced by engineering students and those with lesser level of [poorer] resilience. Stressed students reported to have significantly poorer physical, psychological, social and environmental health. Results indicated that personal resilience affect the level of perceived stress experienced, and in turn affecting students’ general well-being and hence, quality of life. In conclusion, a high level of stress and psychological symptoms associated with poor personal resilience in withstanding stress, as well as poor quality of life and general health among students were reported. Regular monitoring students’ stress level and implementing appropriate intervention are recommended.