Differences in Stress Among University Freshmen Ethnic Groups

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in stressors among university freshman. The participants of this study included two hundred and five freshmen that were conveniently sampled from general education courses. Upon approval from the Institutional Review Board, all participants completed a College Adjustment Scale (CAS) consisting of nine sub-scales including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, self-esteem problems, interpersonal problems, family problems, academic problems and career problems. The sub-scales of self-esteem, interpersonal, family and academic problems were analyzed using ANOVA. Scores on the four stress sub-scales were calculated for all participants by ethnic group (n=61 African American, n=144 Caucasian). The sub-scale indicating the least amount of stress was family problems, while academic problems were rated as most stressful. There was a significant difference (p<.05) in the interpersonal sub-scale among African American and Caucasian freshmen. African American students reported higher levels of stress associated with interpersonal problems than did Caucasian freshmen. The authors suggest that health education professionals can share the data in the following ways: 1) inform college/university faculty that African American students may need more interaction with faculty to limit interpersonal stress 2) student service professionals at universities can aid in limiting stress among African Americans by incorporating specific programs related to self-esteem, family and academics. Future research may include university students at all levels whether traditional or non-traditional.