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Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate academic stress and its coping mechanisms among married postgraduate students in the Sunyani Municipality. A case study design was conducted using the purposive sampling technique to select a sample size of 22 first- and final-year married postgraduate students from the Faculty of Education at the Catholic University of Ghana, Fiapre. The main data collection instrument was the in-depth interview (IDI). The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study found that financial commitments, time constraints, complaints from partners, a workload combining assignments and work, frustration, and difficulty meeting academic demands were common causes of academic stress among married postgraduate students. The study found that the effects of stress on academic life include difficulty-managing studies, an inability to join group studies, an inability to attend lectures regularly, financial problems, relationship difficulties, physical health issues, increased levels of anxiety and depression, a lack of concentration during lectures, and poor academic performance. The study revealed that the effects of stress on married life include inadequate time spent with a spouse, breakdown of communication, conflicts, reduction in sexual satisfaction, inability to meet the financial needs of a spouse, and difficulty balancing family life and academic work. The study found that relaxing, sleeping, showering, listening to music, talking with friends, doing physical activity, viewing television, and praying are some commonly used stress-coping strategies among married postgraduate students. The study concluded that married postgraduate students experience a substantial amount of stress, which affects their academic and married lives. The study recommends that academic institutions and policymakers develop targeted interventions and support services to address these stressors.

Keywords

Control of stress coping mechanisms academic stress postgraduate students Ghana

Article Details

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How to Cite
Gyasewaa, F. ., Agbemelo-Tsomafo, L. ., Tinyogtaa Adama, D. ., Nanyele, S. ., Obo Amissah, A. L. ., Effah Boabeng, J. ., Morkor Boye, R. ., & Assifuah-Nunoo, M. . (2023). Academic Stress and Coping Mechanisms among Married Postgraduate Students in Ghana. Convergence Chronicles, 4(4), 130–157. https://doi.org/10.53075/Ijmsirq/45345666
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