71 A Christian Guide to Body Stewardship, Diet and Exercise The American Psychological Association (n.d.) has reported other differences between males and females with dealing with stress. For example, males tend to be more reluctant to believe that stress is having an impact on their health and thus place less emphasis on the need to manage their stress than females do. Additionally, males are less likely to see psychologists and make lifestyle and/or behavior changes. As a result, males tend to be at a slightly higher risk for emotional and physiological disorders associated with high stress levels and unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors. Stress and the College Student Although the college experience offers a unique opportunity for maturity and growth, it also serves as a potential source of stress for most students. Respondents to the American College Health Association survey (2018) reported various factors which negatively affected their academic performance. Some of the factors mentioned include stress, anxiety, depression, concern for a troubled friend, relationship problems, financial problems, and/or death of a family member. For many students, college is the first time living away from home and on their own. Interestingly, stress for college students seems to be most prevalent during the freshman and senior years. For freshmen, the stress comes from being in a totally new physical and social setting as well as new and more challenging academic expectations. For seniors, the stress comes from the anticipation of life beyond college including work, marriage, and finances (Johnson & Morris, 2012). Ironically, the stress associated with college seems to be similar between Christian and secular schools. According to researchers, the top five stressors for all college students include (Fahey et al., 2011; Walter et al., 2006): 1. Academics. The majority of students surveyed rated academics as the leading cause of stress, higher than any other stressor associated with college life. 2. Relationships. Many college students have lives beyond just that of school and/or have roommates. Some are in a dating relationship, while others are married and/or have children. Managing these relationships, in addition to academics, can be a major source of stress, especially if other individuals involved are less than supportive. 3. Future concerns. As college life comes to an end, many students struggle with concerns regarding their future including finding a spouse and a career. 4. Time management. Keeping up with different class schedules and due dates for assignments can be a major source of stress. However, these pressures can be drastically compounded when combined with poor time management skills and family and/or work responsibilities. 5. Financial matters. College is expensive, and as a result, the majority of college students need some form of financial aid to afford it. In order to cover costs, many college students need to work or take out loans. Often work and college loans become additional stressors as they compete with academics and other responsibilities.
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