Stress Management Techniques for Students: Exploring Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies and Resilience

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of stress management techniques—mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and resilience-building practices—among university students facing academic and personal pressures. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was collected from 550 participants through structured surveys measuring stress levels, technique usage, and influencing factors such as sleep quality and social support. The analysis revealed that mindfulness practices significantly reduced stress levels (M = 5.5) compared to cognitive-behavioral strategies (M = 6.5) and resilience techniques (M = 6.2), thereby confirming the first hypothesis. Cognitive-behavioral strategies also contributed positively to stress reduction, supporting the second hypothesis. Additionally, higher resilience scores correlated with lower stress levels, validating the third hypothesis. Notably, sleep quality and social support were identified as critical moderating factors that enhanced the effectiveness of these techniques, confirming the fourth hypothesis. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating mindfulness and resilience practices into student wellness programs while addressing sleep quality and fostering social support networks. This research contributes to the understanding of effective stress management strategies in academic settings and highlights the need for tailored interventions to support student well-being. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of these techniques and consider a broader range of student demographics to enhance the applicability of the findings.