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STRESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE:

EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM UNIVERSITY
STUDENTS

Kamarudin Rafidah, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Aris Azizah, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Mohd Daud Norzaidi, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Siong Choy Chong, Putra International College
Mohamed Intan Salwani, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Ibrahim Noraini, Universiti Teknologi MARA

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the relationship between stress factors, perceived stress and academic
performance among 154 Pre-Diploma Science students in a Malaysian public institution of higher learning
which to date has received very little research attention. The results indicate that the students experienced
stress but at a moderate level. There is a statistical significant difference between the level of perceived stress
at the beginning and middle of the semester but not statistical significant between the beginning and middle
with the end of the semester. The correlation was not statistical significant between the level of perceived
stress at the beginning and middle of the semester but statistical significant between the end of semester with
academic performance of students. The practical implications of the results are discussed.

INTRODUCTION

Learning and memory can be affected by stress. Although an optimal level of stress can enhance
learning ability (Kaplan & Sadock, 2000), too much stress can cause physical and mental health problems
(Campbell & Stevenson, 1992; Carver & Scheier, 1994; Greenberg, 1981; Niemi & Vainiomaki, 1999; Laio,
Lu & Yi, 2007), reduce self-esteem (Bressler & Bressler, 2007; Linn & Zeppa, 1984; Silver & Glicken, 1990)
and may affect the academic achievement of students (Amirkhan, 1998; Beck & Srivastava, 1991; Calderon,
Hey, & Seabert, 2001; Choi, Abbott, Arthur & Hill, 2007; Covington, 1993; Elliot, Shell, Henry & Maeir,
2005; Hammer, Grigsby, & Wood, 1998; Hatcher & Prus, 1991; Hofer, 2007; Kelly, Kelly, & Clanton, 2001;
Marcos & Tillema, 2006; Rafidah, Azizah, & Noraini, 2007; Robbins, Allen, Casillas, Peterson, & Lee, 2006;
Sanders & Kurt, 2001; Trockel, Barnes, & Egget, 2000; Quaye, Eyob, & Ikem, 2005; Vitaliano, Maiuro,
Mitchell, & Russo, 1989; Was, Woltz, & Drew, 2006; Watering & Rijt, 2006).
A review of literature indicates that university students might experience stress due to multitude of
ways such as (1) health factors - amount of exercise (Field, Diego & Sanders, 2003; Gruber, 1975; Hammer

Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, Volume 13, Number 1, 2009