Differences between Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Stress and Coping Strategies

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Stress among college students, and the related health and academic consequences, remains an important issue for college health professionals. Yet, less is known about the reported coping strategies among both undergraduate and graduate students. Purpose: This crosssectional study examined differences between undergraduate and graduate college students in stress levels and coping behaviors. Methods: An online health behavior survey was administered to a random sample of 1,139 college students enrolled in 2011. Chi-square test of independence examined demographic differences, stress levels and coping strategies. Classification and Regression Tree analysis further explored coping strategies which differentiated groups. Results: Participants were primarily white (87.2%), graduate students (58.5%), and female (59.8%). Almost 80% reported moderate, much or great deal of stress, with no significant differences between undergraduate and graduate students. Sleep (69.6%), exercise (66.1%), and food (56.8%) were the most common coping strategies, regardless of academic classification. Social support as a coping strategy was the most important variable explaining differences between undergraduate and graduate students. Conclusion: Undergraduate and graduate college students cope with stress in a similar manner. However, social support was more likely among graduate students and may be an important strategy for future college health programming.