Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Iranian University students’ stressors and coping strategies: A qualitative study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Fatemeh Khademian 1
. Azam Aslani 2
. Ramin Ravangard 3
. Mohammad Nami 4
. Samaneh Abbasi 5
. Peivand Bastani 3

1 Department of Health Information Management, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Health Information Management, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, National Agency for Strategic Research in Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

3 Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

4 Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Neuroscience Center, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge 084301103, Panama, Visiting Scientist, Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA

5 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although a certain amount of stress is essential, excessive stress can adversely
influence the physiological and mental health. Hence, this study aims to assess common stressors
and coping strategies among university students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted from October to November
2019 in Iran. Twelve students were recruited based on purposeful sampling to participate focus group
discussions (FGD). Transcripts of three sessions of FGD were analyzed applying Graneheim and
Lundman (2004) approach, and a thematic network was applied to illustrate the findings.
RESULTS: The finding emerged 78 codes, 14 subthemes, and 4 main themes. Stressors were
classified in two main themes, including individual stressors and the social ones. Behavioral strategies
and the cognitive ones were among two categories of coping strategies. According to the thematic
network, a full stress student affecting the precious stressors and the social, cultural, and the economic
context may manage his/her stress applying the coping strategies.
CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that university students experienced different kinds of stress,
and usually, they do not apply right coping strategies. It is important to establish stress counseling
programs for university students. Besides, it is proposing to provide 1st year university students with
workshops about the cause of stress and effective coping strategies.

Keywords

Coping strategy
focus group discussion
qualitative research
stress
university students 
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 11, Issue 6
July 2021
Pages 1-10

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