THE EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF UNIFORMS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS: EVIDENCE FROM SAUDI ARABIA

Purpose: The study's purpose is to assess how wearing uniforms affects college students psychologically and socially, with an emphasis on comfort, productivity, self-worth, and social relationships. It specifically looks at Saudi male college students' inclination for traditional clothing over uniforms and considers the policy and practice consequences. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to gather survey data from 249 Saudi male college students as part of the study's quantitative methodology. Respondents answered questions about uniform comfort, price, usefulness, and social integration. Three hypotheses about uniforms' psychological, social, and academic implications were tested through data analysis using SPSS. Findings: The results show that uniforms significantly negatively impact students' academic achievement (H3), social perception (H2), and emotional wellness (H1). Uniforms were seen as constrictive and unpleasant, which negatively affected self-esteem and output. Where traditional clothing were favored because of their utility and cultural value. The findings highlight the necessity of ergonomic and culturally aware uniform designs to balance student welfare and institutional goals. Practical & SocialImplications: The study gives educational leaders practical advice on updating uniform regulations while including cultural considerations and adaptability to students' preferences. Future studies should investigate the long-term psychological effects of uniforms across genders and cultures, building on various samples. Value and Originality: This study fills a knowledge gap by investigating the cultural and psychological impacts of uniforms on Saudi Arabian college students. It advances knowledge of how uniforms affect students' social and academic experiences and aids in creating culturally inclusive policies.