Measuring the Effects of Stress on Academic Achievements of Final Year Students in the Berekum College of Education, Ghana

Abstract

This paper explored the effects of stress on academic performance, specifically focusing on final year students at the Berekum College of Education, Ghana. The research revealed that stress significantly contributes to poor academic performance among students. The study used a descriptive research design with a sample size of 148 respondents. Questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions were used in data gathering. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. Under quantitative data, frequency tables and percentages were used whilst quotations were employed for qualitative analysis. Findings indicate that beginning project work during the second semester, particularly when coinciding with final exams, created additional stress, compounded by a heavy load of assignments. The study also identified single parenting being a major family stressor. Again, inadequate financial support from relatives or government as another source of stress. Additionally, the survey found that students predominantly used reading books and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Imo, Twitter, and Facebook as copping strategies. Furthermore, reading books and watching football especially male, were some of the coping strategies adopted by the students. The study therefore recommends that the college authorities and the government should collaborate each other to put in much efforts to reduce stress and enhance human resources, address inadequate financial challenges and to mitigate stress from project work deadlines as well as enhancing coping strategies for students.