Stress and Strain Relationship in University Students: The Role of Social Support and Mindfulness

What is it about?

University students often face significant mental health challenges, such as emotional exhaustion, depression, and reduced well-being, due to the pressures of their studies. This study explores how these stressors and strains interact over time and examines the role of social support from peers and lecturers and mindfulness in moderating these effects. By conducting a two-wave survey with students at a German university, we found that study-related demands, like workload and work complexity, can lead to emotional exhaustion and impact well-being. Interestingly, the study also showed that students who are already experiencing strain, like depression, might perceive their workloads as heavier, creating a cycle of increasing stress.

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Photo by Kinga Howard on Unsplash

Photo by Kinga Howard on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Importantly, the study highlighted the value of social support from lecturers, which helped mitigate the negative effects of emotional exhaustion on perceived workload. This suggests that fostering supportive academic environments and encouraging mindfulness practices can play a critical role in managing student stress and improving mental health outcomes.