Abstract
Determines the major sources of stress among college students. Examination of interpersonal,
intrapersonal, academic and environmental sources of stress; Top five sources include change
in sleeping habits, vacations/breaks and increased work load; Implications of findings in
creating stress management programs.
Sources of Stress Among College Students
A student stress survey was used to determine the major sources of stress among college
students. Participants were 100 students at a Midwestern university. The scale was based on
interpersonal, intrapersonal, academic and environmental sources of stress. Interpersonal
sources result from interactions with other people, such as a fight with a boyfriend or girlfriend
or trouble with parents. Intrapersonal sources result from internal sources, such as changes in
eating or sleeping habits. Academic sources arise from school related activities such as
increased class workload or transferring schools. Environmental stressors result from problems
