Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

Mental health problems can affect many areas of students' lives, reducing their quality of life, academic achievement, physical health, and satisfaction with the college experience; as well as negatively impacting relationships with friends and family members. These issues can also have long-term consequences for students, affecting their future employment, earning potential and overall health. Stress is a commonly used concept in today's world due to the rapid advancements in almost everything (technologies and human evolution), and the world is becoming increasingly stressful. Unfortunately, students who struggle with depression and anxiety are reluctant to seek help. Higher education institutions can use the content of this chapter to develop appropriate targeted coping mechanisms and strategies which can be used by student counsellors to alleviate stressors among students thereby assisting in the enhancement of holistical health and wellness, and the academic excellence of students worldwide.