Community college students' perceptions of stress

As adolescents entering adulthood more frequently enrol in community colleges, the need for research concerning stress experienced by this population is increasing as well. The purpose of the current study is to explore and describe community college students' perceptions of stress and stressors. Data were collected through the use of focus groups, observation, and written Feedback Forms. Content analysis was used as the data analysis method. Participants' perceptions of stress were generally similar to those of university students, specifically in their descriptions of the physical and psychological symptoms of their reactions to stress. Furthermore, participants' description of perceived stressors, specifically those of time and financial limitations, social demands, and concerns about the future, were also consistent with stressors reported by four-year college and university students participating in previous studies. However, stressors that may be unique to students participating in this study include extracurricular activities and the commute to school. To prevent the potential health and academic consequences of stress, recommendations are made to facilitate the physical, psychological, and academic well-being of community college students.