ACADEMIC STRESS AND RECREATIONAL INVOLVEMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, NIGERIA: A STUDY OF PREVALENCE AND INVOLVEMENT
Keywords:
Academic Stress, Recreational Involvement, Undergraduates, Stress Management, Stress Coping Mechanisms.Abstract
This study assessed academic stress and recreational involvement among
undergraduates at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, examining the
prevalence of academic stress and level of involvement in recreational activities among
the undergraduate students. The study used a descriptive survey design with 1000
respondents selected through multi-stage sampling (cluster sampling, random sampling
and convenience sampling techniques) procedure. A structured questionnaire with three
sections (PIQ, PASS, and PAQ-A) was used to collect data on sociodemographics,
academic stress, and physical activity. Data were analysed using descriptive and
inferential statistics. The study found a high prevalence of academic stress driven by
concerns over failure, job prospects, and workload, with significant percentages
experiencing stress related to fear of failure (73.48%), job prospects (72.5%),
examination times (83.7%), workload (98.1%), parental expectations (66.5%), and
competition for grades (70.3%). Despite this, students exhibit confidence in decision
making (92.2%) and some report having time to relax (84.8%). The study also highlights hat students are generally less involved in recreational activities requiring facilities or
organized groups (e.g., hockey, volleyball, basketball), with the majority of students
report never participating in most recreational activities, while activities that require less
equipment or can be done individually (dance, walking, jogging/running, aerobics) see
higher engagement. Conclusively, there is a high academic stress among undergraduates
due to concerns like failure and workload. Despite this, students showed confidence.
Recreational activity participation was relatively low. To address this, it is recommended
that universities should provide stress management workshops and promote recreational
activities to foster a healthier campus environment.
