Measuring Perceived Stress Levels and Physiological Variables in Undergraduate College Students: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze changes in perceived stress and physiological variables in undergraduate students over one semester. A quasi-experimental study was conducted using non-random convenience sampling with 30 undergraduate students enrolled in an Introduction to Stress Management class at a small, regional institution in the upper Midwest in the fall of 2022. Data collection included the use of the Perceived Stress Scale (i.e., PSS-10) and stress physiological variables (e.g., heart rate, breathing pattern, respiration rate). Participants were surveyed three times using pre-, mid-, and post-treatment assessments but ultimately, participants’ pre- and post-treatment surveys were compared. Both descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon-signed rank test were used to address the study\u27s research questions and null hypothesis. The findings showed a statistically significant difference (p \u3c .05) from pre- to post-treatment assessments in total stress scores (i.e., PSS-10, physiological variables), suggesting that coping strategies utilized in an Introduction to Stress Management course were effective. The findings did not indicate a significant decrease in PSS-10 scores from pre- to post-treatment