This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
Everybody feels stress from time to time—that’s just part of life. As a college student, you’re particularly subject to stressing out over a myriad of things ranging from doing poorly in class, running out of money to pay for meals, or having an argument with a close friend. However, research has shown us that first-generation students (FGS) are more prone to stress in certain areas than other students. They also often cope with stress differently. Read on…
Three Kinds of Stress: Academic, Financial & Social
Research has shown us there are three primary sources of stress among college students. The first source is academic stress: worrying about assignment deadlines, grades, etc. The second source is financial stress: worrying about making your tuition payments, covering housing payments, or just having enough money to go out to eat. Finally, there is social stress: worrying about relationships with friends, bosses or professors.
Due to their circumstances, first-generation students are more likely to experience these types of stress. For example, FGS are more likely to be working a significant number of hours in addition to going to school. Although they can certainly use the extra income, this additional commitment creates an additional set of people to interact with (creating social stress) and may cut into time available to prepare for classes (creating academic stress). FGS are also more likely to have financial dependents. This implies greater social and financial stress, as well as more demands on time outside of school, adding to academic stress.
Dealing with Stress: Active vs. Passive
People can deal with stress in one of two basic ways: through “active coping” or through “passive coping.” Active coping treats the source of stress directly, as a problem to be solved. This may include engaging in activities like talking to your instructor or seeking tutoring assistance (to relieve academic stress), eating at home more often (to reduce financial stress), or talking to a dorm resident assistant (to work through the social stress of being new to a school). In contrast, passive coping does not deal directly with the source of the problem. Instead, passive coping tries to reduce the bad feelings associated with stress. Some examples of passive coping include skipping classes, getting lost in TV or video games, or going on a short vacation.
FGS are more prone to lack active coping skills and, as a result, they are more likely to engage in passive coping. As you may have already guessed, since passive coping strategies do not deal directly with the source of your stress, they do not really reduce your stress, and they may actually compound your problems. So, these coping mechanisms are not recommended. On the other hand, one’s ability to actively cope with stress has been shown to be an accurate predictor of academic success.
How to Actively Cope with Stress
Here are five ideas for coping with stress in college:
1) Keep things in the proper perspective. Surprise! This first idea is actually a passive coping strategy. But this is one that works. Don’t let small problems overwhelm you. This will allow you to stay calm and engage in more active and productive activities.
2) Develop a network of support at school. Be sure to introduce yourself to fellow students and professors and develop these relationships before a crisis occurs. This will make it easier for you to seek their advice and help, and will enhance their ability to help you.
3) Ask for advice from experts. Usually, there are subject matter experts on campus who can assist you. For example:
- Ask instructors how to study most effectively
- Ask tutors for advice and assistance
- Talk to financial counselors about your options for paying for school
4) Be prepared to make trade-offs. You may have to back off on work hours in order to bear down on your studies. At other times, you may have to sacrifice a little at school in order to help a family member.
5) Finally, be open to developing new approaches to old problems. Consider new ways of earning income. Investigate alternative approaches to your studies, including taking classes at different locations and different times of day.