The Impact of Stress on the Performance of University Students in the Light of Krashen’s Affective Filter Theory

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of stress on the performance of students in the light of Krashen’s affective filter theory. Stress, according to Krashen, is responsible for high affective filter which in turn is responsible for low input and as a result, poor performance of the students in terms of language acquisition. Stress is, therefore, a key factor in affecting the academic performance of students at various levels. Students are often under pressure either on the part of their parents, colleagues or from their teachers to secure good grades. There are certain other variables too which contribute to the stress level of students and thereby affect their language acquisition. This quantitative study uses a questionnaire to collect data from 90 students of 1st semester in Women University Swabi. The background of the students was from social and applied sciences where the students study this as compulsory course. The results of the data show that stress has a definite negative impact on the performance of students. The study has important implications for educationists, academics, and policy makers.