Factors affecting to stress and Stress management behavior in next normal of Undergraduate students, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study factors affecting stress, to examine stress management behavior, and to compare stress levels with factors affecting stress in the "next normal" of undergraduate students at Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus. The sample consisted of 437 students studying in the 1/2024 academic year, selected by proportional stratified random sampling. A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of two parts: 1) quantitative research, where data were collected via an online questionnaire using a QR code and analyzed using SPSS for frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis; and 2) qualitative research, where data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a sample of 20 participants selected via purposive sampling and analyzed using analytic induction. The results showed that: 1) Factors affecting stress were family factors : such as the loss of an important person in the family (x̄ = 4.17, S.D. = .968) economic factors : such as more expensive consumer products (x̄ = 3.11, S.D. = .986) and academic factors : such as academic results not meeting desired goals (x̄ = 3.01, S.D. = .997), respectively. 2) The most common stress management behaviors were engaging in entertainment activities at 99.8% (x̄ = 4.24, S.D. = .991) followed by sleeping, staying at home, and doing various activities with the family (x̄ = 4.10, S.D. = .972) and relaxing at natural tourist (x̄ = 4.04, S.D. = .988), respectively. 3) Among the participants, 54.92% exhibited a high level of stress. The most stressful situation was the inability to reach set goals (x̄ = 3.41, S.D. = .976). Additionally age and academic year (R = .163, R Square = 26.00%), along with family, health, environmental, relationship, and academic factors (R = .606, R Square = 36.70%) had a statistically significant positive effect on stress levels at the .05 level, whereas stress management behaviors did not significantly affect stress levels (p > .05). Suggestions: Family factors, economic factors, and academic factors should be used to screen students for stress. Stress tests should be administered regularly to evaluate and initially address stress problems. University should organize various activities that enhance learning, provide entertainment, offer economic support, and promote health to further reduce student stress.