A qualitative study to determine the effects of academic stress on undergraduate university students in Cape Town

Abstract

Academic stress is an aspect of university that every student experiences at some point during their degree. As a result, research on the effects that academic stress has on undergraduate university students is imperative. This research study explores some of the various effects of academic stress. Namely, the effects that academic stress has on the amount and types of foods that students eat, the amount of sleep that students receive, the amount of alcohol that students consume, the student’s academic performance as well as the moods and emotions of undergraduate university students in Cape Town. The study is qualitative by nature to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of the students. This has been done through one-on-one semi-structured online interviews with six undergraduate university students, from various institutions and degree programmes. This was done in order to gain variety and a broad understanding of the issue. A local study will provide insight into further knowledge of what undergraduate university students in Cape Town are experiencing as a result of academic stress.