Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies of University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: This study seeks to explore the sources of stress and identify the coping strategies employed by university students during the Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Methodology: The study uses an online self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data from 409 university students through snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, and cross-tabulation were used for the data analysis.

Findings: The paper highlights the significant sources of stress and related coping strategies. It identifies that males are more stressed than females in isolation and financial uncertainty. Moreover, with respect to coping strategies, it is observed that females use some coping mechanisms (household chores, completing assignments, personal hygiene, relaxation exercises, learning new skills, destroying things, screaming and crying) more than their male counterparts.

Value: To help ensure sound mental health conditions, this study benefits psychologists, counselors and academicians to develop strategies for university students to cope with the stress during Covid-19 pandemic.