STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG FIRST YEAR STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST, OKECHUKWU CHIDOLUO VITUS

 

OKECHUKWU CHIDOLUO VITUS

Introduction

Stress is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals in various settings, including academic environments. It is a natural response to challenging or overwhelming situations that can affect an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The first year of college is a critical period for students as they transition from high school to higher education. This transition can be overwhelming and challenging, leading to stress among first-year students. Coping strategies are important tools used by individuals to manage and reduce stress. This thesis aims to explore stress and coping strategies among first-year students of the College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast.

Background

The College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, is one of the leading institutions in teacher education in Ghana. It offers a wide range of programs, including Bachelor of Education, Diploma in Education, and Postgraduate programs. The first year of college is a critical period for students as they adjust to a new academic environment, academic demands, and social pressures. This transition can be overwhelming and stressful, leading to negative consequences such as poor academic performance, mental health issues, and dropouts.

Stress among First-year Students

The first year of college is a challenging period for students as they face new academic demands, including increased workload, complex assignments, and examinations. These academic demands can cause stress among first-year students, as they may struggle to adjust to the new learning environment and meet the expectations of their professors. In addition, students may also experience stress due to social pressures, such as making new friends, managing relationships, and living away from home for the first time.

Coping Strategies

Coping strategies are the efforts made by individuals to manage or reduce stress. These strategies can be categorized as problem-focused or emotion-focused. Problem-focused coping involves taking direct actions to change the stressful situation, while emotion-focused coping involves managing the emotional and psychological responses to the stressor. Some common coping strategies among college students include seeking social support, time management, relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help.

Objectives

The main objective of this thesis is to explore stress and coping strategies among first-year students of the College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the sources of stress among first-year students in the College of Education Studies.

2. To examine the coping strategies used by first-year students to manage stress.

3. To determine the effectiveness of coping strategies used by first-year students.

4. To explore the relationship between stress and academic performance among first-year students.

Methodology

This study will adopt a qualitative research approach. The target population will be first-year students of the College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast. Purposive sampling will be used to select participants for the study. Data will be collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns.

Expected Results

The results of this study are expected to reveal the sources of stress among first-year students in the College of Education Studies, the coping strategies used by students, and their effectiveness in managing stress. It is also expected to provide insights into the relationship between stress and academic performance among first-year students. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on stress and coping strategies among college students, particularly in the Ghanaian context.

Conclusion

The first year of college is a critical period for students, and stress is a common experience among them. Coping strategies are important tools used by students to manage stress and its negative consequences. This thesis aims to explore stress and coping strategies among first-year students of the College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and mental health professionals to develop interventions that can effectively address stress among first-year students and improve their overall well-being.