In “Academic Stress and Health: Exploring the Moderating Role of Personality Hardiness” by

Hystad, S.W., Eid, J. et.al. authors argue that the real reason of students’ low performance at
universities is personal hardiness, which causes stress, or other physical illness.
First of all, most of the scholars agree that writing term papers, taking examinations, and the
existing strain of studying were the most stressful daily problems mentioned by college students,
(Hystad et.al. 2009) the final outcome of these pressures for many students is increased worry and
despair, more frequent sickness, poor academic performance, or withdrawal from academia (Hystad
et.al. 2009: 421). Moreover, the importance of individual variation and the individual characteristics
that students bring into the academic setting is also stressed by Tinto (1993). (Hystad et.al. 2009)
Sheard and Golby (2007) gathered data on students' hardiness at the start of their second school
year and then tracked their academic progress (Hystad et.al. 2009: 423). Students who scored high
on hardiness had a higher mean dissertation mark than individuals who participated low on
hardiness, and students who scored high on the commitment aspect had a better second-year grade
point average as well (Hystad et.al. 2009: 427-428). Thus the highly dedicated student sees extra
work and commitment as the greatest way to deal with the stress of university success, and by doing
so, he or she may be able to turn that tension into the great achievements.
Hystad, S.W., et.al. article made me realise that students all around the world face same problems in
academia. The article’s opening causes the reader to agree or disagree with the statement of
negativity caused by stress. Obviously authors give certain insights that the university atmosphere
must be encouraging and capable of promoting students' optimal learning and performance. It is an
effective article to know and read. The new fact that I observed that the author mentions that
students with high hardiness, worrying about the grades, have less health issues in a contrast to their
low-hardiness colleagues (Hystad et.al. 2009: 423). Interestingly, I have similar approach as
common ground with the audience since I am student myself, facing similar problems as the
students mentioned in the article. On the other hand, article author does not present new approach to
the audience, since the stress is mentioned as a main factor causing low performance at universities,
simply, that the hardiness is related with stress. So, the article does not give fresh look towards the
issue itself. Thus, I find it useful to read it because it is the common problem all the time and as a
student I strongly agree with that.

References:
Hystad, S. W., & Eid, J., & Laberg, J. C., & Johnsen, B. H., & Bartone, P. T. 2009. Academic
Stress and Health: Exploring the Moderating Role of Personality Hardiness. Scandinavian Journal
of Educational Research. 53/3: 421-429.