Relationship Between Stress and Academic Performance of Under-Graduate Students

This study was conducted on examining the relationship between stress and academic performance of under-graduate students, from the public and private universities. The objectives of this study was to assess the level of stress due to academic and non-academic factors among under-graduate students from public and private universities, and to find out the difference between stress level of under graduate students from 3rd and final year. This research study was descriptive and quantitative in nature. The population of this study was 473 students from public and private universities. Sample of the study was 210 students. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample from the population. Two self-developed research instruments were used to collect information about the stress factors and academic performance in order to analyze the relationship among stress and academic performance of under-graduate students from both private and public universities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and percentage) and inferential statistics (t-test) to find out the difference between stress and academic performance of students from both, the public and private universities of Pakistan. It was found that students were experiencing considerable stress due to both academic and non-academic factors. When analyzing the academic and non-academic stress factors separately, it was observed that students from both public and private universities were having more stress due to academic factors as compared to non- academic stress factors. Further, the main academic factors that created high stress among students were work load factor and transition from annual to semester system. Moreover, it was also concluded that there is a significant difference between academic stress of under-graduate students from public and private universities. As the findings indicated significant, negative, and weak relationship between stress and academic performance for undergraduate students from both public and private universities, it was recommended to implement regular stress assessments and academic performance evaluations to monitor trends over time. This ongoing evaluation can help universities adapt and refine support mechanisms based on evolving student needs.