Academic Workload Research Articles

Life at the academic coalface: validation of a holistic academic workload estimation tool

This paper reports on research exploring the academic workload and performance practices of Australian universities. This research has identified a suite of activities associated with teaching, research and service, each with an associated time value (allocation). This led to the development of the academic workload estimation tool (AWET). In 2020, to validate the findings, we contacted academics willing to participate further and conducted interviews. We used the AWET to estimate workload for each individual for the previous year and compared it to the workload allocated according to their institutional workload model. Discrepancies were then discussed to ascertain to what extent the AWET was able to capture their work. In general, the participants thought the AWET provided a more realistic estimate of their actual work and highlighted how much is underestimated or unaccounted for by the workload models used within their institutions. It also showed how academic performance policies, focussed primarily on research output, disadvantaged many individuals because they ignored or minimised many scholarly, teaching and service-related tasks inherent in the academic role. Overall, the findings showed the AWET was a useful tool to discuss academic work and assisted them to better capture the complexity and extent of what they did. We offer the AWET as a validated approach for academics to estimate their workload in a holistic and transparent manner. We suggest its implementation institution-wide, along with an aligned performance policy, will facilitate negotiation of reasonable performance expectations. This will rebuild trust in the processes and improve a university’s effectiveness.

Communication challenges faced by Libyan students in Indonesia

Communication issue becomes one of the phenomena commonly observed among foreign students, including those studying in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the communication challenges faced by Libyan students in Yogyakarta and their adjustment to to face the challenges. The data were from Libyan students at a number of universities in Yogyakarta, collected through questionnaire, which was designed to elicit qualitative descriptive replies. The questionnaire consists of 5 short essays and 5 yes/no questions related to the students’ experiences. The research participants were 15 Libyan male overseas students aged 21 to 35 years who joined voluntarily in this study. The findings show that the students’ competence in Bahasa Indonesia and there are two main difficulties encountered: communication issues with the local people due to the local language used by most of the local people and a gap between the students' and professors' language competency during their learning activities. Moreover, other challenges stem from varying academic workloads, teaching techniques, and assessment systems that compel international students to study as a team with the local students despite some of them lacking the ability to fluently communicate using English.

Replacing Power with Flexible Structure: Implementing Flexible Deadlines to Improve Student Learning Experiences

Traditional course deadline policies uphold the myth of the “normal” student, assuming students face few and equal barriers to completing work on time. In contrast, flexible deadline policies acknowledge that students face unequal barriers and seek to mitigate them. Flexible deadline policies maintain structure while transferring some decision-making power from the instructor into the hands of the student. These practices align with current pedagogical movements in higher education that seek to empower all students to meet learning goals. This study explores student perspectives on, and use of, proactive extensions built into a recent university course. We compare extension use in low-stake, high-stake, individual, and team assignments; observe how extension use changed over the term; and examine student self-reported responses about the policy. Students unanimously agreed that the proactive extension policy was valuable to their learning. They reported that the proactive extensions enabled them to improve the quality of their work and to better manage their academic workloads, acting as self-regulated learners. They also frequently described reduced stress as a benefit. Extensions generally appeared to be used as needed rather than encouraging procrastination. Students also identified that the need to request extensions in other courses was a barrier. The instructor of this course also benefitted from implementing this policy. Faculty should consider implementing flexible deadline policies to improve student learning experiences and to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.

Academic Integrity Perceptions Among Health-Professions’ Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in The Middle East

A high level of professional integrity is expected from healthcare professionals, and literature suggests a relationship between unethical behavior of healthcare professionals and poor academic integrity behavior at medical school. While academic integrity is well researched in western countries, it is not so in the Middle East, which is characterized by different cultural values that may influence students’ academic integrity conduct. We conducted a cross-sectional study among health-professions students at a university in the Middle East to assess perceptual differences on various cheating behaviors, as well as to explore the reasons underlying the cheating behavior. A validated survey instrument disseminated among first and second-year undergraduate students resulted in 211 complete responses and this data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s Chi-square/ Fischer’s exact test was applied to test the association of various factors with academic misconduct. The major determinants of academic misconduct were investigated using Binary Logistic regression model. The conducted analysis and the results showed that preceding cheating behavior was the only factor significantly associated with cheating in the university (p < 0.001). No association was found between cheating behavior and age, college/major, awareness regarding academic integrity, or perception of faculty response. The reasons provided by students for cheating behavior were mainly academic workload and pressure to get a good grade. Various suggestions are made to enhance academic integrity among health-professions students including organizing workshops and events by the university to increase awareness and create an academic integrity culture, providing peer guidance as well as emotional and social support.

Adapting to technology tools in a learning environment: A case study of first-year students at a traditional African university

The introduction of technology to teaching and learning has brought about modernisation of academic activities. The drastic paradigm shift faced by the education sector is inevitable, especially as the impact of the much-touted Fourth Industrial Revolution is being felt in key sectors of the economy. This reality imposes the need for technology-enhanced learning for tertiary students as it represents the future of the workplace for which they are being prepared at university. For effective learning to take place, institutions need to incorporate technological tools in their teaching and learning. Adapting to a myriad of technology tools can be challenging, especially for less privileged learners who might be adjusting to tertiary life and previously have not been exposed to the basics of computers and other technology tools. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that most of these learners are experiencing the independence of tertiary education for the first time and are still struggling to balance their academic workload with the anxieties of social blending. This paper investigated how first-year students at a traditional, previously disadvantaged university in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa, adapted to Blackboard Learn (also referred to as WiseUP), the learning management system (LMS) adapted for blended learning at the university. The paper explored the challenges faced by the new students and thereafter employed a combination of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Technology Acceptance Model to build a new model, which reveals the critical factors that influence students to embrace technology. This model will assist lecturers, faculty and student support structures to understand the underpinning factors that influence first-year students to embrace the technology tool, namely, the university’s LMS. Quantitative data collection and analysis were used in the case study, which was conducted with two groups of first-year students in management and information technology courses. Results show the significant factors that influence students’ attitudes positively towards the use of technology for learning.

An analysis of business students’ stressors and their coping strategies in the post-pandemic era

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a dramatic change in teaching–learning practices in higher education across the world. The post-pandemic era with a new shift of teaching–learning phase raises the concern of students' psychological well-being, especially the novice, i.e., first-year undergraduate students, as first-year students often struggle to adjust to the new environment of higher institutions, thereby depressive symptoms are more prevalent among them. In this regard, a qualitative study was conducted followed by a dyadic approach to explore the symptoms of students’ psychological stressors, their causes, and provide essential remedies for coping with such behaviors in the post-pandemic era. The findings show that students’ stressors were commonly reported due to the academic workload, institutional regulations, lack of resources, and financial constraints. Regarding indications, unusual behavior, lack of confidence, improper sleep, and lack of motivation were identified as the primary symptoms of students’ stress. However, participants reported a lack of understanding regarding stress-related matters. Yet, students and faculty members try to adopt several strategies for reducing such stressors. By examining the perceived psychological stress, indications, and coping behaviors, this study enriches the literature by bridging pragmatic and theoretical gaps regarding students’ stressors of business management. Furthermore, the study mainly suggests that adequate institutional support should be provided to deal with students’ problems that cause stress. Also, universities should organize workshops or seminars to cultivate psychological health awareness among students and faculty members.

An online mindfulness intervention for medical students in South Africa: A randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, an association was observed between medical students’ stress, possibly because of an intensive academic workload and clinical responsibilities, and mental ill health. The literature has shown the benefit of online mindfulness interventions for different mental health challenges. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of information on their benefit to medical students in South Africa.AimThe aim of this study was to explore whether medical students attending an online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) would show improved resilience and stress management compared with attendance at an online supportive counselling (SC) programme. Secondary to this was the viability of the intervention, for which an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences was sought.SettingThe study setting was online through https://zoom.us/.MethodsForty-five participants were randomly allocated between two 6-week, teacher-facilitated groups. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of outcome, well-being, perceived stress and self-compassion scores conducted at three time points, as well as thematic analysis of participant feedback, contributed to quantitative and qualitative data.ResultsParticipants in both the groups showed significant improvement over time in measures of well-being, perceived stress and subjective stress management. Participants in the mindfulness group showed a statistically significant treatment effect in mindfulness at programme completion. A decrease in self-compassion over time was observed in both the groups.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that in this South African medical student cohort, an online MBI and a SC programme are both feasible and show potential for reducing stress, increasing stress management and increasing resilience. Further study in this area is recommended.

Developing Competences in Future Primary School Teachers under the Conditions of Teacher Education Standardization: A Theoretical Review

Mathematical competence plays an essential role among subject-specific competences of primary school teachers. One should be able to think mathematically, understand mathematical proofs, communicate in “the language of mathematics” and use appropriate codification resources, which makes the concept of mathematical competence rather vital. The concept of primary school teachers’ mathematical competence can be specified through its structure. In this regard, this article analyzes scientific approaches to determining the components of this phenomenon. The structure of future primary school teachers’ mathematical competence is viewed as a system of the following components: motivational-axiological, cognitive, activity-related, communicative, reflexive-creative. It must be noted that the process of developing the structure of this competence and its components, especially content- and activity-related ones, required the authors of the article to analyze regulatory documents and syllabi of the mathematics course of six higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ukraine. All the analyzed syllabi indicate which knowledge, skills and abilities future graduates should possess. The chosen HEIs distribute academic workload differently; at the same time, the content of educational material to be studied is almost identical. The elements of future primary school teachers’ mathematical competence are as follows: arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, that of identical transformations of mathematical expressions, logical

STRESS IN RELATION TO THEORETICAL AND CLINICAL ACTIVITIES AS EXPERIENCED BY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING STUDENTS

Utilizing the descriptive survey method, the study aimed to determine the stress in relation to theoretical and clinical activities as experienced by Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. The specific problems were the profile of 31 student nurses, the stresses met in the theoretical and clinical setting, the coping mechanisms to the different stresses and the significant difference in coping mechanisms when grouped according to profile. The profile indicated that the student nurses have a general age of 20 years and below, dominated by female and single. The common stresses as classified: On personal stress: fear of making mistakes; academic stress: Intensity of academic workload; clinical stress: using highly technical equipment while on the time management problems, limited time to take a rest. As to the coping mechanisms, the student nurses did the following: COPING MECHANISMS INDICATORS Logical Analysis Think of different ways to deal with the problem Positive Reappraisal Tell themselves that things would get better Seeking Guidance and Support More prayers for guidance and strengths. Problem Solving Take “thinks a day at a time, one step at a time” Cognitive Avoidance They daydream or imagine a better time or place, than the one they are in. Seeking Alternative Rewards Expect the worst possible outcome Acceptance or Resignation Try to help others deal with a similar problem Emotional Discharge Cry to let their feelings out Significant differences were evident in the coping mechanisms in terms of civil status. Part of the study is the program on coping mechanisms for stress.

"Could Be Even Worse in College": Social Factors, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Men on a College Campus.

Understanding mental health risks among Black men is a step forward in reducing health and educational disparities that are persistent in today's society. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 20 Black male undergraduate students from a college campus in the Southeast. The aim wasto identify andunderstand the social and contextual factors impacting their risk of experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms. A thematic analysis, theoretically grounded in the social-ecological model (SEM),was conducted, revealing three overarching themes: 1)what is known or felt about mental health 2)causes of stressors and 3)signs as symptoms. Discussions with men offered insight into their perspectives and personal experiences related to mental health issues and perceived risk factors. Themes suggest that the college transition, academic workload, perceived financial distress, and their desire and need to conform to ideals of masculinity were significant risk factors and stressors. Men offered descriptions of specific symptoms and health behaviors associated with such stress, including social isolation, anger, irritability, and changes in their own personal behaviors. Key findings paint a picture of college mental health experiences for some Black male college students. Moving forward, more research is needed to expand on this study's findings and improve mental health risk among this underserved population. Future directions are discussed alongside the results presented in this paper.

Academic workloads: what does a manager need to consider?

ABSTRACT Utilising Bacchi’s framework ‘What’s the problem represented to be?’ the literature on managing academic workloads was analysed to explore why workload allocation models are deemed essential in the contemporary university and the assumptions which underpin workload allocations. Whether due to the need for efficient use of scarce resources or ensuring equity for staff, workload allocation models are promoted as an accurate measure of each individual’s workload and as a measure of accountability. The literature privileges the views of staff whose workloads are ‘managed’ but unable to do their work within their contracted hours. Universities justify long hours of unpaid overtime as a norm of professionalism. Critical issues for managers are identified, and suggestions to enable them to be more effective in the process of workload allocation are presented.

«New Normal» of Students’ Educational Practices in the Coronavirus Pandemic Reality

The article presents the results of qualitative sociologic survey aimed at analyzing students’ subjective evaluations related to “new” educational practices from the perspective of the experience gained in the pandemic period, as well as the dynamics of changes in the content of these evaluations during the year due to the transition to new learning formats. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of forced online learning on the transformation of traditional educational practices. Following the results of work with qualitative data, the main trends observed in the informants’ answers are shown – increase of academic workload and, as a consequence, the time spent for its performance; absence of former attitude and concentration of attention on the learning material caused by the impossibility to draw boundaries between private and public, that in its turn had an impact on the quality of education and gave rise to new practices of academic dishonesty and cheating; and as a whole, downturn of psychological wellbeing. Main positive moments named by the informants were increase of the capabilities of the educational field and a certain level of comfort in the sphere of everyday life, logistics and work. It is noted that even with the outright victory over the COVID-19 it will be impossible to return completely to pre-covid variant of organization of educational process; whether we like it or not, electronic educational environments have already become an integral part of our life and higher education. The main questions that must be asked now – which of pre-covid and gained practices should be taken into the future, how to find the balance between intramural and online learning formats. Search for solutions depends to a large extent on the success of interaction and cooperation between the direct participants of educational process. Main method of data collection is semi-structured interviews; field works have been carried out in spring of 2020 and 2021. The interview method made it possible to study the situation in detail as it has developed. Based on the generalization of qualitative data, the substantial characteristics of the informants’ value judgments are formed, strong and weak sides of the learning process related to introduction of new formats of interaction “university – teacher – student”. The ambivalent attitude of students to full-time and distance learning was revealed. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the data acquisition, systematization and analytical generalization of the original material on the transformation of students’ educational practices as a result of a forced mass transition to distance education. The obtained materials provide grounds for clarifying the process and results of these changes and can be used to justify management decisions.

INFLUENCE OF BIG-FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS ON PERCEIVED ACADEMIC STRESS AND COPING STYLES AMONG EMERGING ADULTS

Emerging adults may face a lot of stress while trying to maintain their academics in college. The methods they choose to cope with academic stress may vary and can depend upon their personality traits. Recent studies on personality, stress and coping were reviewed and further research on this topic was necessary. This study examined the relation between the big-five personality traits, perceived academic stress, and the coping mechanisms used by emerging adults. The data collected from 203 college students through snowball sampling technique was analyzed using a correlational research design. We found that the personality traits of emerging adults had a high influence on the perceived academic stress and the coping style they adopt to handle the stress. At last, suggestions based on the findings were discussed. KEYWORDS: Academic Workload, Coping, Big-five Personality Traits, Education

Exploring Female University Students' Participation in Physical Activity in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BackgroundThe importance of physical activity in improving physical and mental health has been emphasized in many studies. Researchers in Saudi Arabia have reported an increase in physical inactivity among Saudis, especially among University female population. Current efforts in the field in Saudi Arabia have yet to explore barriers and facilitators that influence female University student's participation in physical activity. This study aims to provide an assessment of the situation regarding physical activity among female University students in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis mixed method study preceded a participatory action research initiative. The first part of the mixed method consisted of a cross-sectional survey of 375 female University students in Saudi Arabia who completed the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The second part consisted of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 14 female University students and 16 female exercise trainers.ResultsResults showed that most participants (91%) spent more time in walking activity compared to moderate (66%) and vigorous activity (57%) for at least 10 min at a time over a period of 7 days. Results showed that 70% of participants did not meet the WHO recommendation of 150 min per week of moderate activity, while around 62% of participants did not meet the WHO recommendation of 75 min per week of vigorous activity. Barriers to participation included limited facilities for physical activities, academic workload, gender role, and the need to adhere to cultural standards. Facilitators included valuing positive results, general health concerns, and family support.ConclusionKnowledge gained from this study might support organizations and public health authorities to develop physical activity interventions that better address Saudi women's perceived needs. These findings are an important contribution to current knowledge in light of recent advances in women's rights in Saudi Arabia.

Learning Attitudes Towards and Learning Experiences in Online Teaching During the Pandemic

Many problems with online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic need to be solved: the unidirectional transmission of information, the immaturity of teaching platforms, the alienation in time and space between teachers and students, and the students’ inconsistent learning conditions. By taking a quantitative and qualitative approach, this study explored the factors that impact students’ learning attitudes and learning experiences in real-time online teaching, with the purpose of improving students’ learning and future online teaching. The results show that the average scores of university students’ learning attitudes and learning experiences in real-time online learning are higher than the standard scores. Moreover, significant differences have been found in gender, the availability of independent learning space, the parents’ requirements, discipline, and grade. Online teaching has increased students’ academic workload and brought great challenges to students’ attention, self-regulated learning abilities, as well as physical and mental health.

Readiness to enter the workforce: perceptions of health professions students at a regional Australian university

BackgroundPerceived readiness for practice can help mitigate the stress and uncertainty associated with transitioning from university into the workforce. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the readiness for clinical practice among final-year medical, dental, and pharmacy students at an Australian regional university.MethodsThe study utilised a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach with surveys administered for the quantitative phase and interviews/focus groups for the qualitative phase. Descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis were utilised for the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Triangulation of findings from both phases facilitated in-depth understanding of the factors that influenced participants’ self-perceived readiness for clinical practice.ResultsFrom the three disciplines, 132 students completed the survey and 14 participated in the focus groups and interviews. Students felt most prepared in their patient-centred capabilities, core skills, and advanced consultation skills, and least prepared in their system-related capabilities and clinical care skills. Themes identified as essential enablers and confidence builders in relation to workforce readiness in all three disciplines were: gained knowledge and skills, value of clinical placement experiences, support from peers, family and staff. However, students felt their work-readiness was impaired by heavy academic workloads and poor knowledge of health care systems, which affected skills development. Participants suggested additional support in health care system and clinical governance, mental healthcare, and induction to placement sites to further improve their work readiness.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that improving work-readiness of healthcare students requires alignment of learning needs to real-world practice opportunities, ensuring support systems are appropriate, and early familiarisation with the healthcare system.

Under Which Circumstances Does Academic Workload Lead to Stress?

Abstract. Academic stress is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes, including detrimental effects on mental health, achievement, and well-being. Numerous studies have shown an association between the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and various health and risk factors. Some studies revealed a protective function of the CAR as a stress buffer preventing the stress system from overshooting. We investigated the moderating effect of the CAR on the within-subject association between academic workload and academic stress in participants’ daily lives using ambulatory assessment. We assessed 77 undergraduate university participants for 2 days at the beginning of the semester and approximately 3 months later, individually starting one week before an exam. Participants provided academic stress and academic workload ratings hourly during their waking time using smartphone-based e-diaries and salivary cortisol samples at awakening as well as 30, 45, and 60 min later on two consecutive days during each of the assessment waves. Average within-subject associations between academic workload and academic stress were analyzed using multilevel models. Interactions with indicators of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were included to test moderating effects of the CAR on the workload-stress associations. There was a significant positive within-subject association between academic workload and academic stress. Significant cross-level interactions showed a moderating effect of the CAR on this association. The results point out the importance of the CAR in the regulation of the workload-stress associations in academic life and underscore the relevance of investigating the influence of specific stressor-dependent reciprocal effects of the CAR on learning and experienced stress.

PRIORITIES IN THE CHOICE OF PHYSICAL AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES OF THE 2ND YEAR STUDENTS OF THE SPECIALTY “PHYSICAL THERAPY, ERGOTHERAPY”

Recent research shows that the state of students’ health worsens and their physical activity is insufficient. The reasons for this phenomenon are various: constant increase in academic workload, insufficient number of Physical Education classes included in the curriculum, high cost of modern fitness services, etc. In addition, the traditional form of Physical Education lessons does not contribute to the students’ growth of interest in the process of physical culture and health activities, which involves the acquisition of an appropriate set of knowledge, skills and abilities. The lack of scientific papers dedicated to the comparison of students’ priorities in the choice of physical and recreation activities, in particular, those of medical students, stipulated the choice of the theme and aim of the given research – to determine the priorities of 4th year students majoring in “Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy” in their choice of physical and health recreation activities and popular sports. The survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire. Students were supposed to give a single answer to a question. The survey was conducted in October in 2020–2021 academic year at I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University. The survey encompassed 46 4th year Ukrainian students of medical faculty, specialty “Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy”. In the course of our research we used the following methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, interviews, questionnaires, methods of mathematical statistics. The analysis of students’ answers allowed to single out certain tendencies and characteristic features of their sports interests. The study concluded that to improve the process of students’ physical education their interests should be taken into account, in particular through the introduction of the course “Health and Rehabilitation Swimming” for the 3rd year students of the specialty “Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy”.

Brief online mindfulness training for medical students: a randomized control study

BACKGROUNDMedical students experience high levels of stress during their training. Literature suggests that mindfulness can reduce stress and increase self-compassion levels in medical students. However, most mindfulness training programs are delivered face-to-face and require significant time commitments, which can be challenging for rurally-based students with heavy academic workloads and limited support networks. PURPOSETo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a brief online Mindfulness training program for medical students based in rural areas, with regards to reducing stress, increasing self-compassion, mindfulness and study engagement. METHODSThis is a non-registered randomised control trial. Participants included both urban and rural medical students from UWA, University of Notre Dame and the RCSWA from 2018-2020. Participants were randomised to the intervention group, an 8-week online mindfulness training program, or the control group. Using quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods approach, we measured the frequency, duration and quality of the participants mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion, mindfulness and study engagement levels. Further, the intervention group recorded a weekly reflective journal documenting their experience of the program. RESULTS114 participants were recruited to the study. 61 were randomised to the intervention, and 53 to the control. Quantitative analysis of the frequency, duration and quality of mindfulness meditation practice and changes in stress, self-compassion, mindfulness and study engagement is currently being conducted. Preliminary qualitative results reveal that participants experienced increased self-awareness, more mindfulness of their day-to-day activities, improved emotional regulation and increased productivity, while also facing difficulties with making time for their mindfulness practice. CONCLUSIONWe anticipate that this study will demonstrate that an online mindfulness training program tailored to reach rurally located medical students is feasible and effective in modifying their stress levels and psychological wellbeing.

Academic Stress And Suicidal Ideation Among Undergraduates In Kwara State

Academic stress is a product of a combination of all academic related demands that exceed the adaptive resources available to students in the university. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between academic stress and suicidal ideation among undergraduates in Kwara State. Descriptive survey design of a correlational type was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all undergraduates’ students in Kwara State. 200 Students were randomly selected to participate in the study from four universities. The finding reveal that the causes of academic stress among university undergraduates in Ilorin are academic workloads; difficulty of time between study and social activity; dealing with difficult course; submission deadlines of assignments/projects; feel threatened by Grade Point Average on portal; lack of relevant course materials; difficulty to cover the course outline among others. The result would illuminate University undergraduates to always find balance between study time and social activities which academically constitute so much stress.