Sources of Stress and Support among Rural-Based First-Year University Students: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

First-year university students are faced with numerous challenges, some of which prove more than they can cope with. As a result their prospects of graduating are reduced, as reflected in the high failure and drop-out rates nationally. These challenges are certainly greater in rural-based institutions, and the authors sought, therefore, to examine the stressors endured by students from mainly poorer, rural communities attending such an institution. Fear of failing, finance and accommodation problems featured very strongly, with deaths of family members and significant others also prominent. Parents and friends were viewed as most supportive. Significantly more female than male students found friends and religious leaders/priests to be supportive. Approximately one-quarter of the sample found their siblings and health professionals unsupportive. Students younger than 21 years were more affected by conflict with and between parents than students over 21 years. The results are discussed within the context of socioeconomic as well as gender and developmental variables.