A1 Journal article (refereed)
An analysis of business students’ stressors and their coping strategies in the post-pandemic era (2022)

Akram, H., Bhutto, M. H., & Chughtai, M. S. (2022). An analysis of business students’ stressors and their coping strategies in the post-pandemic era. Decision, 49(2), 239-252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40622-022-00319-8

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Akram, Huma; Bhutto, Maqsood H.; Chughtai, Muhammad Salman

Journal or series: Decision

ISSN: 0304-0941

eISSN: 2197-1722

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 10/08/2022

Volume: 49

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 239-252

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Publication country: India

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40622-022-00319-8

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a dramatic change in teaching–learning practices in higher education across the world. The post-pandemic era with a new shift of teaching–learning phase raises the concern of students' psychological well-being, especially the novice, i.e., first-year undergraduate students, as first-year students often struggle to adjust to the new environment of higher institutions, thereby depressive symptoms are more prevalent among them. In this regard, a qualitative study was conducted followed by a dyadic approach to explore the symptoms of students’ psychological stressors, their causes, and provide essential remedies for coping with such behaviors in the post-pandemic era. The findings show that students’ stressors were commonly reported due to the academic workload, institutional regulations, lack of resources, and financial constraints. Regarding indications, unusual behavior, lack of confidence, improper sleep, and lack of motivation were identified as the primary symptoms of students’ stress. However, participants reported a lack of understanding regarding stress-related matters. Yet, students and faculty members try to adopt several strategies for reducing such stressors. By examining the perceived psychological stress, indications, and coping behaviors, this study enriches the literature by bridging pragmatic and theoretical gaps regarding students’ stressors of business management. Furthermore, the study mainly suggests that adequate institutional support should be provided to deal with students’ problems that cause stress. Also, universities should organize workshops or seminars to cultivate psychological health awareness among students and faculty members.

Keywords: studies in an institution of higher education; students; commercial sciences; stress (biological phenomena); stress management; coping; mental well-being; qualitative analysis (chemical analysis)

Free keywords: stress; stress creators; stress indicators; coping strategies; undergraduate business students; qualitative analysis; ecological model

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1