Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Graduate University Students: Role of Gender

Abstract

This study intended to explore the disparity in male and female approach to recognize perceived stress and coping strategies among first year university students. The data was collected from N=425 students (Male n= 301 & Female n= 124) aged between 20-23 years. All students belonged to a public sector university situated in the city of DERA GHAZI KHAN, Pakistan. Purposive convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. The data was collected through Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Resource Inventory. The findings showed that there were variations in the perceived stress and coping styles of males and females. Female graduate students reported high perceived stress as compared to male students and male students often used problem focused coping strategies whereas the female students on the contrary used more emotional focused coping strategies. Results pertaining to effect of perceived stress on the use of coping strategies declared that the effect of stress on coping strategies is different among male and female first year university students. The results of the study highlight the importance of providing trainings to first year graduate students on using effective coping strategies to deal with their high level of perceived stress.