Prevalent Coping Strategies for Academic Stress Among Postgraduate Students in Universities in Bayelsa State Across Selected Demographic Variables (Published)
The study investigated the prevalent coping strategies for academic stress adopted by postgraduate students in universities in Bayelsa State, considering selected demographic variables. A descriptive survey design was employed, guided by three research questions. The population comprised all postgraduate students in public universities in Bayelsa State, with a sample of 340 respondents drawn from various institutions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled “Postgraduate Students’ Coping Strategies and Stress Assessment Questionnaire” (PSCSAQ). The content, face and construct validity of the instrument was done by experts and had a reliability coefficient of 0.83. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent sample t-tests. The findings revealed significant differences in coping strategies based on gender, institution type, and age. Male students reported higher use of coping strategies compared to female students, while students from federal university exhibited higher coping strategy usage than those from state universities. Older students showed a higher tendency to employ coping strategies compared to their younger counterparts. The study concluded that postgraduate students in Bayelsa State employ various coping mechanisms, with differences influenced by demographic factors. Recommendations include providing targeted support for students, especially females and those in state institutions, to improve their coping mechanisms in academic settings. Counselling implications of the study suggest the need for universities to develop gender- and age-sensitive mental health and coping skills programs tailored to the diverse needs of their student populations.
Keywords: Age, Coping Strategies, Gender, Postgraduate Students, institution type