Stress during studies. Mental stress and illness among students in face-to-face and distance learning

Bachelor Thesis , 2017 , 116 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Psychology - Work, Business, Organisation

The main focus of this thesis is on psychological stress among students in face-to-face studies as well as in distance learning. The transactional stress model as a basic theory is included, as well as the consequences of mental stress: mental disorders. The students in Germany represent the object of the empirical investigation.

The empirical investigation focuses on three aspects: the degree of mental stress of students, the stressors that condition these mental stresses, and the impairment of mental health that may show signs of a mental disorder. In order to explore these central aspects, the author surveyed 1,039 students from all over Germany who are currently enrolled in a face-to-face or distance learning program.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• List of abbreviations
• 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Problem statement
  • 1.2 Objective of this paper
  • 1.3 Structure of the paper
• 2 Theoretical foundations
  • 2.1 Forms of study
  • 2.2 Stress
  • 2.3 Psychological stress
  • 2.4 Derivation of research questions relevant to investigation
• 3 The empirical investigation
  • 3.1 Object of investigation: Students in Germany based on current figures
  • 3.2 The survey
• 4 Results of the survey
  • 4.1 Methodology for evaluation
  • 4.2 Evaluation of the data material of the survey
  • 4.3 Verification of assumptions
  • 4.4 Interpretation and assessment of the psychological stress of students
• 5 Discussion
  • 5.1 Critical reflection of the methodology
  • 5.2 Critical reflection of the results

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This bachelor thesis investigates the presence and nature of psychological stress among students in Germany, with a particular focus on the differences between face-to-face and distance learning environments. The study aims to answer three key research questions relating to the degree of psychological stress, the stressors that contribute to it, and the impact on mental health. Key themes explored in the work include:

• Psychological stress among students
• The differences in stress levels between face-to-face and distance learning students
• The impact of stress on mental health, including potential signs of mental disorders
• The stressors specific to each learning environment
• The potential for interventions to mitigate stress and support student well-being

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction - The chapter introduces the topic of psychological stress among students and outlines the problem statement, objectives, and structure of the research. It highlights the need to understand the unique challenges faced by students in both face-to-face and distance learning settings.
• Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations - This chapter presents the theoretical framework for the research, exploring the concepts of stress, psychological stress, and the different forms of study (face-to-face and distance learning). It establishes a clear understanding of the relevant theories and models that will be applied in the empirical investigation.
• Chapter 3: The Empirical Investigation - This chapter details the empirical study conducted for the research. It describes the object of investigation (students in Germany), the methods employed (a survey), and the data collection process.
• Chapter 4: Results of the Survey - This chapter presents the findings of the survey, examining the data gathered on the degree of psychological stress, the stressors, and the impact on mental health. It analyzes the data to identify patterns and trends, and provides a comprehensive overview of the results.
• Chapter 5: Discussion - This chapter critically reflects on the methodology used in the research and evaluates the implications of the findings. It considers the limitations of the study, discusses the significance of the results, and offers recommendations for future research and interventions to improve student well-being.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this bachelor thesis are: study, face-to-face studies, distance learning, students, stress, stressors, transactional stress model, psychological stress, depression, anxiety disorder, addiction disorder. The research explores the prevalence and nature of psychological stress among students, analyzing the various stressors encountered in face-to-face and distance learning environments, and examining their impact on mental health.

• College: University of Applied Sciences Riedlingen
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Franziska Pfoser (Author)
• Publication Year: 2017
• Pages: 116
• Catalog Number: V1175757
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346586544
• Language: English
• Tags: stress, distance learning, face-to-face studies, depression, anxiety disorder, mental stress