EFFECTS OF STRESS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS

EFFECTS OF STRESS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

This study finds out the effects of stress on academic performance of students. A total of 120 Federal College of Education Students randomly selected from four federal college of education in the Nigeria participated in the study. The instruments used for the research were the Students-Life Stress Inventory (SSI) by Gadzella (1991) and Mathematics Achievement Test adopted from the semester results. Data gathered from these instruments were analyzed using Percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results showed that, majority of the students experienced moderate stress levels and that, none of the students experienced high stress levels. The study also indicated that, there is no significant correlation between the level of perceived stress and academic performance of the students. The results further showed that, schools in the urban areas performed better on the achievement test compared to schools in the rural areas. The research has provided insights for stakeholders in education to provide the necessary structures to help students manage stress in order to improve their academic performance.