ERIC Number: EJ1162451
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0146-3934
EISSN: N/A
Stress among Graduate Students in Relation to Health Behaviors
van Berkel, Kelly; Reeves, Brenda
College Student Journal, v51 n4 p498-510 Win 2017
Problem: While stress is universal for graduate students, the difference in terms of stress symptoms and the effects on health behavior is how students cope. While numerous research studies have linked stress and negative health behaviors, few studies have objectively assessed these variables. Purpose: Utilize current health and fitness technology to determine the relationship among daily-calculated stress, perceived stress, and modifiable health behaviors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional within subject study design, 58 students self-selected to participate in the study. Participants wore a disposable lifestyle tracker to assess the modifiable health behaviors, utilized a smartphone app to assess daily-calculated stress level, and completed an online survey to assess perceived stress level. Scores from both stress measures were analyzed and correlated with the data extracted from the tracker, employing univariate and multi-linear regression analyses. Results: Data from 49 participants were analyzed. Self-reported perceived stress and sleep quantity were not significant predictors of daily-calculated stress level; the remaining variables were significant predictors (p < 0.05). Daily-calculated stress and health behaviors were all significant predictors of self-reported perceived stress. Conclusions: Results suggest that graduate students self-report similar perceived stress levels as their daily-calculated stress, and corroborates the inverse relationship between health behavior and stress.
Descriptors: Stress Variables, Health Behavior, Scores, Online Surveys, Correlation, Sleep, Predictor Variables, Graduate Students, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Physical Fitness, Regression (Statistics), Student Attitudes, Life Style, Case Studies, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A