Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-10-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
4-10-2026 12:45 PM
Description of Program
This mixed‑methods study explored stress, coping strategies, and awareness of university resources among graduate healthcare students at GovState. Findings reveal significant stress from academic, financial, and role demands, varied coping behaviors, and low resource utilization, highlighting the need for accessible, occupation‑centered supports to promote student wellness and success.
Abstract
Graduate healthcare students often experience high levels of stress that disrupt occupational balance and participation in meaningful roles. This exploratory mixed-methods study examined graduate healthcare students’ perceptions of stress, coping strategies, and university-provided resources at Governors State University using an occupational therapy perspective. Twenty-four students from the College of Health and Human Services completed an online survey with Likert-scale and open-ended questions addressing stressors, coping behaviors, resource awareness, and desired supports. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and thematic analysis were conducted. Results indicated that academic demands, financial strain, and competing role responsibilities were primary contributors to stress. Students frequently used adaptive, occupation-based coping strategies such as physical activity, mindfulness, social connection, and leisure, though some reported maladaptive coping behaviors. Despite moderate awareness of university wellness resources, utilization was low due to barriers related to accessibility, scheduling, and perceived relevance. Significant subgroup differences revealed lower resource awareness among first-generation students and higher financial strain and maladaptive coping among younger students. Findings support the need for student-informed, accessible, and occupation-centered university supports to promote stress management, occupational balance, and academic success.
Presentation File
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Health Care Graduate Students’ Perceptions of University Resources and Strategies to Support Stress Management and Well-Being
University Library
Graduate healthcare students often experience high levels of stress that disrupt occupational balance and participation in meaningful roles. This exploratory mixed-methods study examined graduate healthcare students’ perceptions of stress, coping strategies, and university-provided resources at Governors State University using an occupational therapy perspective. Twenty-four students from the College of Health and Human Services completed an online survey with Likert-scale and open-ended questions addressing stressors, coping behaviors, resource awareness, and desired supports. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and thematic analysis were conducted. Results indicated that academic demands, financial strain, and competing role responsibilities were primary contributors to stress. Students frequently used adaptive, occupation-based coping strategies such as physical activity, mindfulness, social connection, and leisure, though some reported maladaptive coping behaviors. Despite moderate awareness of university wellness resources, utilization was low due to barriers related to accessibility, scheduling, and perceived relevance. Significant subgroup differences revealed lower resource awareness among first-generation students and higher financial strain and maladaptive coping among younger students. Findings support the need for student-informed, accessible, and occupation-centered university supports to promote stress management, occupational balance, and academic success.