Perceived Stress and Well-Being of Young Adult Learners: Basis for Comprehensive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programs

Vol.4, No.1

Abstract

Understanding the phenomenon of perceived stress and well-being among young adult
learners in post-pandemic settings was presented in this study as the foundation for
developing culturally sensitive action plans on comprehensive mental health and psychosocial
support programs for recommendation as school guidance office activities. The researchers
encouraged young adult learners who may be suffering from many issues and stressors to
find courage, challenge their status quo, and not only become well-rounded but contribute to
the de-stigmatization of any type of mental health problem and understand that prevention is
always better than cure.

The study revealed that among the common symptoms of stress for young adult learners,
mental or cognitive symptoms, which include difficulty concentrating, feelings of helplessness,
disorganized thoughts, anxiety, and low self-esteem, were the most pervasive compared to
physical and behavioral symptoms. School activities and workloads, which include academic
stress and finishing education, choosing a career, feeling isolated, time management, and
deadlines, were deemed the most common stressors, followed by financial issues and a lack
of resources, as well as home situations and family relationships. Socializing, connecting, or
interacting with others, which includes initiating interactions with friends and family, being
friends with neighbors, joining groups and classes of interest, and going online to meet new
friends, were recognized as the most effective coping mechanisms against stress, followed by
the pleasures of music and art, and this is where most recommendations are rooted from.

The researchers developed action plans for peer-to-peer talk therapy, which can be delivered
as stress debriefing in one-on-one or group sessions, incorporating comprehensive mental
health and psychosocial support programs appropriate for young adult learners, and
launching Psychology Society Week, a week-long educational and fun-filled activity. Finally,
an online psychology app called YAKAPWA was introduced.