Association between Perceived Stress and Resilience among University Students

Background: Stress is not unfamiliar in our daily livings especially in student population. Undergraduate students tend to expose to stressors from various sources such as academic performances, family issues, financial problems and etc. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. In this context, resilience plays a vital role to allow students to overcome, adapt and cope well with the stresses. The aim of the study was to assess the level of perceived stress and resilience among university students and to determine the association and relationship between perceived stress and resilience. Methods: Perceived Stress Scale and Resilience Scale were distributed to the undergraduate students in a private university. An online questionnaire was also shared through social media for students to answer. Results: Overall, the mean age among the 355 participants were 20.83. Gender differences were found in stress and resilience level. Female were found to have higher PSS score (p=0.006) and lower RS score (p<0.001) compared to male. Pearson’s Correlation showed that there was a moderate negative association between perceived stress level and resilience among undergraduate students (p<0001). Null hypothesis was rejected. Conclusions: In conclusion, undergraduate students had moderate perceived stress and low resilience level. There were association between perceived stress level and resilience among undergraduates students. Thus, specific intervention such as stress management and resilience enhancement program can be conducted to improve the scenario.