A Study to Assess the Coping Strategies of Stress among Nursing Students of Edwin Clark University Kiagbodo in Burutu LGA of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Stress is a widely recognized and psychological response to perceived challenges or threats to an individual’s well-being. This study sought to assess the coping strategies of stress among nursing students in Edwin Clark University Kiagbodo in Nigeria. Three theoretical frameworks of stress and coping strategies guided the study. These are the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), and the Person Environment Fit Model. Each of them provides useful insights in the study. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted for the research. The study population was 125 respondents. A stratified random sampling technique was applied in getting 65 students for the study. The instrument for data collection was a likert scale questionnaire design by the researchers. The data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution, percentages, regression analyses, etc. The results were presented in tabular and graphical forms. The highest source of stress is academic workload (73. %) and the most employed coping strategy to stress was time management (69.2%). There is also a statistical relationship between sources of stress and coping strategies. The study concludes that stress among nursing students at Edwin Clark University is primarily driven by academic, clinical, and financial pressures. Coping strategies employed include spiritual practices, interpersonal support, and time management, reflecting both cultural values and practical adaptations to stress. Female students reported greater reliance on coping strategies, demonstrating gender variations in stress management. These findings align with established psychological theories while adding insight into the Nigerian socio-cultural environment.