Stress and the College Student

Chapter 17

Chapter Overview
Stressors facing young college students Stressors facing older college students Stress and minority college students Interventions

Stressors Facing Younger College Students

Lifestyle change
Achieving emotional independence from family Choosing and preparing for a career Preparing for emotional commitment and family life Developing an ethical system Grades Many students are more concerned about grades rather than about what they are learning Course overload Taking on too many classes can lead to illness, hostile emotions, not enough time for friends, learning less, and ultimately poor grades

Stressors Facing Younger College Students (cont.)

Finances Giving up or changing friendships New intimate relationships (love)
Erotic love Ludic love Storgic love Manic love Tuition and books, living expenses, credit cards

Sex

Did You Know?

In 2003-2004, average cost of tuition and
fees at a four-year private college was $19,710 and $4,694 at a four-year public college In 1999-2000, 64% of students graduated with a student-loan debt The number of seniors who graduated with more than $20,000 in debt increased from 5% in 1992-1993 to 33% in 1999-2000

HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Virus that causes AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

(AIDS)
Progressive HIV infection that reduces the effectiveness of the immune system

By 2003, 524,060 Americans died of AIDS

There is no known cure for AIDS

Transmission of HIV/AIDS
Bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or
vaginal fluids High-risk groups include:
Intravenous drug users Infants born to HIV-infected mothers Participants in unprotected sexual activities

Prevention of HIV/AIDS
Abstain from sexual activities Maintain a monogamous relationship Use proper protection if you choose to
become sexually active Abstain from intravenous drug use

Other STIs
Sexually transmitted infections
Syphilis Gonorrhea Chlamydia Genital warts Genital herpes Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Other Stressors Affecting the Younger College Student

Date/acquaintance rape Shyness Jealousy Breakups

The Older College Student

More than 40% of college students are
over age 25 They experience same stressors as younger college students They also experience unique stressors in areas of:
Career and school Family and school Self-doubt

The Minority College Student

Stressors include:
Racism Language Cultural values Pressure to perform

Interventions
Life-situation interventions:
1. Attend stress-management workshops 2. Learn to manage finances 3. Make new friends by joining clubs and participating in activities 1. Overcome shyness by asking self probing questions 2. Use selective awareness to focus on positive aspects of college

Perception interventions

Interventions (cont.)
Emotional arousal interventions
1. Practice relaxation techniques 2. Make it a priority to find the time

Physiological arousal interventions

1. Use exercise to burn up products of stress 2. Many exercise options are available on college campuses

Stress and the College Student