Undergraduate Students and Anxiety: Factors and Effect

A. The transition to undergraduate studies can be an exciting and transformative period in a person's
life. However, it is also a time when many students experience heightened levels of anxiety. The
factors contributing to anxiety among undergraduate students provides a comprehensive
understanding of the challenges faced by them and the subsequent effects on their academic,
mental, and physical well-being. By understanding these factors and effects, we can identify
strategies to mitigate anxiety and promote a healthier university experience.

B. One prominent factor contributing to anxiety among undergraduate students is academic pressure.
The heavy workload and high expectations placed upon students can be overwhelming. The fear of
failure and the constant pursuit of academic excellence can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Performance anxiety, often fueled by the desire for academic success, further exacerbates the
problem. Another significant factor is social pressure. Undergraduate students navigate a complex
social landscape where peer relationships and social interactions play a crucial role. Social media
platforms perpetuate a culture of comparison, where students constantly compare themselves to
their peers. This can create feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety, as students strive to
meet unrealistic social standards. The rising costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses place
a heavy burden on students and their families. The financial responsibilities that come with
pursuing higher education add an additional layer of stress, impacting students' well-being and
mental health. The fear of accumulating debt and the pressure to secure a stable job post-graduation
can create anxiety and uncertainty about the future. Financial worries can distract students from
their studies, as they are forced to allocate significant time and energy to finding financial resources
and managing their expenses. Furthermore, financial strain can limit students' access to essential
resources and opportunities. Students from lower-income backgrounds may face additional
challenges in affording educational materials, participating in extracurricular activities, or taking
advantage of networking events.

C. Anxiety has significant effects on undergraduate students' academic performance. The inability to
concentrate and focus due to heightened anxiety levels can hinder learning and retention of
information. Moreover, persistent anxiety can lead to reduced motivation and a decline in academic
performance, perpetuating a vicious cycle of stress and underachievement. The mental and
emotional toll of anxiety on undergraduate students should not be underestimated. Heightened
stress levels can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and increased vulnerability to mental health
disorders. Anxiety can manifest as depression, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder,
negatively impacting students' overall well-being. Anxiety among undergraduate students also
takes a toll on their physical health. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or irregular sleep patterns,
are common among anxious students. Fatigue becomes a constant companion, affecting their
energy levels and ability to engage fully in academic and personal pursuits. Furthermore, prolonged
anxiety weakens the immune system, making students more susceptible to illness and further
compromising their well-being.

D. Fortunately, there are various coping mechanisms and support systems available to help
undergraduate students manage anxiety. Seeking professional help through counseling and therapy
services can provide valuable guidance and support. Additionally, students can develop resilience
and self-care practices through stress management techniques and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
Building social support networks and engaging in social activities and clubs can also contribute to
a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. Addressing anxiety among undergraduate students
requires a comprehensive approach. Academic institutions play a crucial role in implementing
mental health support programs, promoting a healthy campus culture, and providing resources to
students. Raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health is vital, as it
 encourages open dialogue and creates a supportive environment. Furthermore, personal
responsibility and self-advocacy are essential. Encouraging students to seek help and support,
promoting self-awareness, and practicing self-care contribute to long-term solutions for managing
anxiety.

E. Anxiety among undergraduate students is a pressing issue with profound effects on their academic,
mental, and physical well-being. Academic pressure, social pressure, and financial pressure
contribute to increased anxiety levels. This, in turn, negatively impacts students' academic
performance, mental health, and physical well-being. However, by recognizing these factors and
effects, implementing coping mechanisms, and establishing support systems, we can create an
environment that fosters resilience, well-being, and success for undergraduate students. It is
imperative that we address this issue collectively and prioritize the mental health of our future
generation.

1. Match the Causes (1, 2, 3, 4) in Column A with the Effects (i, ii, iii, iv). Write corresponding i/ii/ iii/ iv to
show the Cause-Effect pairs in Column C.

Column A Column B Column C

Causes Effects Answers
1. Learners from financially i. Sense of insecurity and
insolvent family background incompetency 1.______
2. Aspiration for educational ii. Barrier to study and
achievements retention of knowledge 2.______
3. Inefficiency to pay attention iii. Lack of access to study
due to higher degree of stress materials 3.______
4. Continuous comparison with iv. Constant performance
peers via community anxiety 4.______
correspondence
Now, write Four Meaningful Complete Sentences by using the cause-effect pairs that were matched by
using the following cause-effect expressions from the box below:
cause as a result of affect create impact consequently since

i. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ii. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________________________________________
iii. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
iv. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Disconnected: The Impact of Smart Phones on Human Relationships

I. Smart phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate
and access information. These compact devices have transformed into powerful tools that provide
instant connectivity, access to vast knowledge databases, and a plethora of social media platforms that
keep us connected to the world. While they offer numerous benefits and conveniences, there is a
growing concern about the profound impact of smart phones on our relationships and social dynamics.
Today, individuals carry their entire social networks, online communities, and digital identities in the
palm of their hand. This constant availability and the allure of the digital realm have both enriched and
complicated our relationships.
II. One significant cause of the disconnection in human relationships is the constant connectivity offered
by smart phones. With these devices, individuals can be reached at any time and from any location.
On one hand, this constant connectivity has positive effects. It allows people to maintain connections
with friends and family, even when separated by great distances. Long-distance relationships can
flourish with the help of instant messaging and video calls. However, the negative impact arises when
this constant connectivity replaces in-person interactions. People may become absorbed in their digital
world, diminishing the time and effort invested in face-to-face interactions. The prevalence of social
media platforms on smart phones is another significant cause of disconnection in human relationships.
Social media has transformed the way we communicate, providing a platform for sharing and
connecting with others. It offers the possibility to stay updated on friends' activities, share personal
experiences, and engage in virtual communities. While social media has its advantages, excessive use
can lead to a decrease in face-to-face communication. Spending excessive time scrolling through news
feeds and posting updates can create a sense of disconnection from the physical world and diminish
the quality of in-person interactions.
III. The constant reliance on smart phones for communication can hinder the development of interpersonal
skills, leading to disconnection in human relationships. Face-to-face interactions provide a wealth of
non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, which are crucial for
effective communication and understanding. Excessive phone use can result in difficulty maintaining
eye contact, active listening, and engaging in meaningful conversations. The constant distraction of
smart phones has led to a decline in these essential interpersonal skills. People may find themselves
 more comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions through a screen rather than engaging in
direct, real-time conversations. The constant need to check notifications, browse social media feeds,
and respond to messages also creates a culture of distraction. When individuals are mentally
preoccupied with their devices, they are less present and engaged in the real-world interactions
happening around them.
IV. Smart phones have become constant companions in our daily lives, capturing our attention and
diverting our focus from the present moment. With the constant influx of notifications, social media
updates, and entertainment options at our fingertips, it has become increasingly challenging to
maintain sustained focus and deep connections with those around us. This way smart phones contribute
to increased distraction and the formation of shallow connections. The allure of smart phones often
leads to a divided attention span, where individuals find themselves engaged in multiple tasks
simultaneously, leading to a diminished quality of engagement. Rather than being fully present in the
moment, individuals may prioritize their phones, checking notifications and responding to messages.
As a result, connections may become superficial, lacking depth and intimacy. The need for instant
gratification and constant stimulation through smart phones can impede the formation of meaningful
and fulfilling relationships.
V. The impact of smart phones on human relationships is a complex and multifaceted issue. While these
devices provide connectivity and facilitate communication, they also have the potential to disconnect
individuals from their immediate surroundings and impede the development of meaningful
relationships. It is crucial to strike a balance in smart phone usage, ensuring that they enhance rather
than hinder our connections with others. By being mindful of our digital habits and prioritizing face-
to-face interactions, we can maintain the depth and authenticity of human relationships in the digital
age.

1. Match the Causes (1, 2, 3, 4) in Column A with the Effects (i, ii, iii, iv). Write corresponding
i/ii/ iii/ iv to show the Cause-Effect pairs in Column C.
Column A Column B Column C
Causes Effects Answers
1. Constant influx of i. Difficulty maintaining eye
notifications, social media contact, active listening, and 1.______
updates, and entertainment engaging in meaningful
options at fingertips conversations
2. Mental preoccupation with ii. Diminished quality of
devices engagement 2.______
3. Excessive usage of phone iii. Less presence and
engagement in real-world 3.______
interactions
4. Divided attention span due iv. Increased distraction and
to the allure of smart formation of shallow 4.______
phones connections
Now, write Four Meaningful Complete Sentences by using the cause-effect pairs that were
matched by using the following cause-effect expressions from the box below:
cause as a result of affect create impact consequently since

i. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________
ii. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________
iii. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________
iv. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________