Understanding Psychological Stress in College Student: A Qualitative Case Study of Xinyang Agricultural and Forestry University

Abstract

In the high-level academic environment of higher education, students at Agricultural and Forestry University face unique stress. These stress factors stem from both the demanding nature of their specialized fields and the general pressures of college life. There remains a lack of in-depth understanding of the specific factors contributing to psychological stress among these students, which can significantly impede their academic performance and mental health. This study aims to identify the primary factors contributing to psychological stress among students at the Agricultural and Forestry University and to examine the effectiveness of existing support systems and coping mechanisms utilized by these students. This study employs a qualitative research approach, involving semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 6 students from the Agricultural and Forestry University. The research was conducted on campus, with data analysis following the principles of thematic analysis. The theoretical underpinning of the study is grounded in the transactional model of stress and coping.