Academic Stress and Its Effect on the Psychological, Emotional, and Behavioral Health of Nursing Students

Abstract

Objective: Academic stress is a prevalent issue among university students, particularly nursing students due to the demanding nature of their studies. This study explores the extent of academic stress and its psychological, behavioral, and physical effects on nursing students' mental health. Methods and Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 260 nursing students from the College of Nursing at Palestine Polytechnic University. Data were collected using validated tools including the DASS-21, the Perception of Academic Stress Scale, and the Academic Stress Inventory (ASI). Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA using SPSS version 20. Findings: The study revealed that the overall impact of academic stress on mental health was moderate (mean = 3.14). The most significant stressor was the high number of exams during the semester (mean = 4.07). Psychological symptoms were the most prominent (mean = 3.63), with students reporting anxiety, loss of study passion, and exam-related nervousness. Physical symptoms such as headaches, concentration issues, and sleep disturbances were also noted. Coping strategies were moderately utilized, with female students showing higher psychological and physical stress symptoms, while males demonstrated better coping. First-year students exhibited the highest stress levels. Conclusion: Academic stress significantly affects nursing students' mental health, especially psychological well-being. Institutions should implement targeted interventions focusing on workload management, emotional intelligence training, and support systems to enhance students’ coping mechanisms.