Influence of Academic Stress on the Performance of Sandwich Undergraduate Students in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja

Osagie; M.; Amosu B.; Idachaba V. O.

doi:10.56201/ijee.v12.no.1.2026.pg360.368

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Influence of Academic Stress on the Performance of Sandwich Undergraduate Students in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja

Osagie, M., Amosu B., and Idachaba V. O.

Abstract

This study investigated the Influence of Academic Stress on the Performance of Sandwich Undergraduate Students in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja. Sandwich students, who combine intensive academic activities with work, family, and social responsibilities, are prone to experiencing high levels of stress, which may adversely affect their academic performance. The study examined various sources of stress, including heavy workloads, tight academic schedules, financial pressures, course carryovers, inadequate institutional resources, and social or family demands. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a representative sample of sandwich students through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that stress manifests both physiologically, through activation of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, and psychologically, through anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional instability, and reduced motivation. While moderate stress was found to serve as a motivator for academic engagement, excessive or chronic stress negatively influenced learning, concentration, and overall academic achievement. The study further identified coping strategies as critical mediators of stress, with adaptive mechanisms such as time management, problem-solving, and social support mitigating adverse effects. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhanced stress management programs, strengthened guidance and counselling services, flexible academic scheduling, provision of adequate resources, promotion of healthy coping mechanisms, and increased parental and institutional support. The study concludes that understanding the Influence of Academic Stress on Performance is essential for developing effective interventions that enhance academic performance, psychological well-being, and overall success in the sandwich programme context.

Keywords

StressAcademic AchievementSandwich Undergraduate StudentsCoping MechanismsUniversity of Abuja

References

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Influence of Academic Stress on the Performance of Sandwich Undergraduate Students in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja

Abstract

Keywords

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