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Thoughts and experiences of educators related to quality and change
Many college students state that they are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression, according to research published in scholarly journals, the popular press, and discussions I have had with other students. Under these circumstances, it would seem appropriate for colleges to assist students with developing strategies and applying tools to help mitigate these negative effects. Fortunately, several studies have demonstrated approaches that can be used for this purpose and that serve as a basis for my proposal to develop a formal orientation class for students entering college.
The Presence of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among College Students
Psychologist David G. Myers defines the term stress as a two-sequence process that involves a stimulus and a response.1 When a person is faced with an event that is perceived as challenging or threatening, called the stressor, he or she experiences a stress reaction that often involves fear and/ or anxiety. For instance, college students often mention tests as a source of stress (the stressor or stimulus) and describe the trepidation they felt while preparing for and taking the exams.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to stress can have significant effects on a college student's mental health and emotional well-being. The National Institute for Mental Health describes the initially beneficial survival-focused physical changes that occur when a stressor is noticed; these include faster pulse and breathing rates, tense muscles, and greater oxygen consumption. Throughout an extended period of time, however, stress can result in more damaging effects, such as compromised immune, digestive, and reproductive systems.2
College students who are dealing with chronic stress may also suffer from depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America differentiates between anxiety and depression but points out that their symptoms often overlap. Nervousness, irritability, sleep issues, and an inability to concentrate are most common.3 It is clear that these factors could undermine a college student's success.
It is not surprising that college life generates a variety of stressors, but the frequency of their occurrence is more substantial than some might expect. Many studies have examined the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among college students, and the rates they have indicated are high enough to make this a noteworthy issue for college administrators,...