Stress and Coping Mechanisms Among College Students

This research pursued the following question: Is there a relationship between selfcompassion and coping mechanisms for stress among college students?Stress is something that college students face throughout their academic journey; however, this stress can be mitigated by coping skills implemented by students.In this contribution, I present the results of a systematic literature review on stress and coping mechanisms among college students to establish what research has been conducted and to what extent there is evidence of the relationship of selfcompassion as a coping mechanism for stress among college students.The major topics associated to stress and how college students cope with stress are stressors, maladaptive behaviors, and coping mechanisms.Students experience numerous stressors that negatively impact their learning capabilities and practice effectiveness (Adonizio, 2012).Countless students have numerous role expectations and demands such as academics, internships, family, friends, intimate relationships, work, and conflicting demands on time, all which increase stress levels.In an effort to manage this stress, students either engage in maladaptive behaviors or implement coping mechanisms.Self-compassion can be a valuable strategy for students to practice to manage their stress.The purpose of this study is to assess if there is a relationship between higher levels of self-compassion and college students' coping skills when dealing with stress.viii