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Velos Final Paper Print May 28, 2024
Velos Final Paper Print May 28, 2024
Velos Final Paper Print May 28, 2024
COLLEGE STUDENTS
A thesis Presented to the Faculty of College of Arts and Sciences of Notre Dame of
in Human Services
Lagudas, Shaine P.
Dansalan, Baisamra T.
JUNE 2024
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APPROVAL SHEET
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The financial burden of pursuing higher education has been an increasing concern for
many college students, particularly given the rising costs of tuition, housing, and other related
expenses. Financial stress can significantly impact students' mental health, manifesting in various
psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies have shown that financial
stress is a prevalent issue among college students, often leading to detrimental effects on their
academic performance and overall well-being (Frade, 2018; Xiao et al., 2017).
Financial stress among college students can stem from multiple sources, including
student loans, the pressure to balance work and study, and the struggle to meet basic needs. The
mental health implications of this stress are profound. For instance, students who experience
high levels of financial stress are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression, as
well as a decrease in overall life satisfaction (Jones et al., 2021; Cooke et al., 2020).
The mental health repercussions of financial stress are multifaceted. Anxiety related to
financial issues can manifest as persistent worry about meeting financial obligations, managing
debt, and uncertainty about future financial stability (Rogers et al., 2021). Depression stemming
from financial stress often includes feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, exacerbated by the
perceived inability to overcome financial hurdles (Friedline, Chen, & Morrow, 2020).
Furthermore, financial stress can lead to elevated levels of overall stress, which is characterized
by physical symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and chronic fatigue (American
Higher education institutions play a critical role in addressing financial stress and
supporting students' mental health. Financial aid offices, counseling centers, and academic
advisors are crucial resources that provide support and guidance to students dealing with
financial stress. Financial literacy programs, which educate students on budgeting, managing
debt, and making informed financial decisions, are essential in helping students navigate their
financial responsibilities (Cude et al., 2020). Moreover, emergency financial assistance programs
can provide immediate relief to students facing unexpected financial crises, thereby alleviating
some of the acute stress associated with financial instability (Baker-Smith et al., 2020).
Understanding the extent of financial stress and its impact on mental health is vital for
developing effective interventions and support systems. Research in this area not only
underscores the need for more affordable higher education but also highlights the importance of
comprehensive support services that address both the financial and mental health needs of
students. By mitigating financial stress, institutions can enhance students' overall well-being,
academic success, and future economic stability (Goldrick-Rab, Richardson, & Hernandez,
2018). Therefore, it is imperative for stakeholders in higher education to prioritize initiatives that
reduce financial stress and promote mental health among college students.
This study aims to explore the impact of financial stress on the mental health of college
students. By identifying the key financial stressors and examining their effects on various mental
health indicators, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by
students. The findings can contribute to the development of policies and programs that support
the financial and mental health needs of college students, ultimately fostering a healthier and
Generally, the purpose of the study was to provide valuable insights into the Impact of
Financial Stress to Mental Health of College Students in Notre Dame of Midsayap College.
1.1 Age;
terms of:
Students. The result of this study can help students understand how financial
stress affects their mental health, encouraging them to seek help and adopt stress
management strategies.
Institutions. The result of this study can help assists in creating policies that
address financial stress, such as flexible payment plans, emergency funds, and financial
Parents and Guardians. The result of this study can help parents and guardians
understand the challenges their children face, fostering better support at home.
experienced by students.
Future researchers. The result of this study provides a basis for further studies
on the relationship between financial stress and mental health, and its broader implications.
This study focuses on the extent of financial stress and its impact to mental
health of college students. Furthermore, the respondents of this study are coming from first
to fourth year college students of Notre Dame, academic year 2023-2024 only.
Definition of Terms
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Financial Stress – this refers to the strain and anxiety individuals experience due
to financial pressures, such as difficulty paying for tuition, rent, food, and other essential
expenses.
affects how individuals think, feel, and act, and determines how they handle stress, relate
Financial Literacy – this refers to the ability to understand and effectively use
investing.
Monthly Expenses – this refers to the total amount of money a student spends in
Anxiety Level – this refers to the measure of the degree of anxiety a student
Stress Level – this refers to the extent of psychological and physical strain a
Sleep Quality – this refers to the subjective evaluation of how well a student
sleeps, considering factors such as sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and overall
restfulness.
Financial Stress
The primary sources of financial stress for college students include rising
tuition fees, the high cost of living, and the burden of student loans. A study by
Goldrick-Rab et al. (2019) highlights that over 50% of students experience housing and
literacy and poor money management skills contribute to students' financial difficulties.
Lusardi et al. (2020) found that many students lack the necessary financial knowledge to
financial stress and mental health issues among college students. Behaviorally,
financial stress often results in students working long hours in part-time jobs, which
can detract from their academic focus and performance (Robbins et al., 2018).
including tuition fees, housing costs, food expenses, transportation, and other
significant proportion of college students face challenges in meeting basic needs such as
housing and food, which are reflected in their monthly expenditure patterns. Tracking these
expenses provides insights into the financial burdens shouldered by students and the extent
consequently, their financial stress levels. Rising tuition fees and educational expenses are
primary contributors (Choy, 2019). Additionally, living costs, including housing and food,
vary depending on factors such as location and campus affordability (Mitra, 2018).
Moreover, the prevalence of student loan debt adds to the financial strain, as students
allocate a portion of their monthly budget to loan repayment (Baum & Steele, 2019).
essential for identifying students at risk and implementing targeted interventions. High
monthly expenses relative to income can lead to budgetary constraints, forcing students to
make difficult trade-offs between essentials and discretionary spending (Chen & Li, 2020).
This can exacerbate financial stress and negatively impact academic performance and
Financial Support
Research indicates that financial support from social networks, particularly family
and friends, plays a significant role in alleviating financial stress. Studies by Serido et al.
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(2017) found that young adults receiving financial assistance from parents experienced
reduced financial stress, enabling them to better manage their expenses and avoid debt.
Similarly, Wrosch et al. (2017) highlighted that social support buffers against the adverse
reduce financial stress. Moffitt (2020) reviewed the effectiveness of welfare programs in
the United States, concluding that such interventions significantly reduce financial strain
among low-income families by providing essential resources for basic needs. Furthermore,
research by Bitler, Hoynes, and Schanzenbach (2020) emphasized that during economic
The role of financial institutions in providing support through loans and credit has
also been examined. Lusardi and Mitchell (2017) discussed how access to affordable credit
can alleviate financial stress by offering liquidity during financial emergencies. However,
they also noted the potential for increased stress if borrowers become over-indebted,
individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Lusardi and
Mitchell (2017) emphasized that higher levels of financial literacy are associated with
better financial management practices, which in turn reduce financial stress. Their
research indicated that students with higher financial literacy are less likely to
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experience financial distress due to their ability to budget, save, and manage debt
effectively.
Financial literacy not only reduces financial stress but also positively impacts
mental health. Heckman, Lim, and Montalto (2017) found that financial literacy programs
financial issues. By empowering students with financial knowledge, these programs help
effective in reducing financial stress among college students. Collins and Urban (2020)
reviewed various financial education programs and concluded that these initiatives
reducing financial stress and improving mental health outcomes. The study highlighted that
effective.
Research by Xiao, Chen, and Chen (2018) explored the relationship between
financial literacy, financial behaviors, and financial stress. Their findings suggested that
financial literacy positively influences financial behaviors, such as budgeting and saving,
which directly reduce financial stress. Improved financial behaviors resulting from
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increased financial literacy contribute to better mental health by alleviating the pressure
The long-term benefits of financial literacy on financial stress and mental health
have been documented in several studies. Serido et al. (2018) conducted a longitudinal
study that tracked college students over several years, finding that those with higher
financial literacy at the start of their college education experienced lower levels of
financial stress and better mental health over time. This research underscores the enduring
impact of financial literacy on reducing financial stress and promoting mental well-being.
literacy and financial stress. Research by Shim, Xiao, Barber, and Lyons (2019) indicated
that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds benefit more from financial literacy
programs due to their higher initial levels of financial stress. These programs help level the
playing field by providing essential financial knowledge that these students might
otherwise lack.
students. A study by Beiter et al. (2017) found that financial difficulties were among the
top stressors leading to anxiety in students. Financial stressors, including tuition fees,
living expenses, and student loans, contribute significantly to the mental health burden of
Several studies have documented the high prevalence of anxiety among college
students facing financial stress. Eisenberg, Lipson, and Posselt (2018) conducted a national
survey revealing that financial stress is a significant predictor of anxiety symptoms among
college students. Their findings indicate that students who struggle with financial issues
are more likely to report higher levels of anxiety compared to their financially secure
peers.
life is profound. Richardson, Elliott, and Roberts (2017) found that students experiencing
financial stress and associated anxiety often have lower academic performance due to
activities. Anxiety can also disrupt students' daily routines and social interactions, further
The availability and effectiveness of coping mechanisms and support systems play
Conley, Travers, and Bryant (2020), students who utilize campus mental health services
and financial counseling report lower levels of anxiety. These support systems provide
essential resources and coping strategies that help mitigate the impact of financial stress on
mental health .
Longitudinal studies provide insight into the persistent effects of financial stress
on anxiety over time. Salmela-Aro and Read (2020) tracked students over their college
years and found that sustained financial stress is associated with chronic anxiety, which
can have long-term implications for mental health and career outcomes. These findings
highlight the importance of early intervention and continuous support to address financial
financial stress and anxiety. Research by Walsemann, Ailshire, and Gee (2018) suggests
that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience higher levels of anxiety
due to greater financial pressures and fewer resources to manage these challenges. This
disparity underscores the need for targeted support for economically disadvantaged
financial literacy programs, mental health services, and institutional support. According to
Choi, Gudmunson, and Griesdorn (2019), financial education programs that teach
budgeting, debt management, and financial planning can significantly reduce anxiety by
empowering students with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances. Additionally,
integrating mental health services with financial counseling can provide comprehensive
Eisenberg et al. (2017) noted that financial stress is a significant predictor of depression
among college students. Their research showed that students experiencing financial
difficulties were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness,
financial stress and depressive symptoms among college students. The study highlighted
that financial concerns, including debt and the inability to afford basic necessities,
significantly contribute to the onset and severity of depression. These findings underscore
the importance of addressing financial stress to improve mental health outcomes for
students.
stress on mental health. According to Richardson et al. (2021), financial literacy programs
can play a crucial role in reducing financial stress among students. Their study
lower levels of financial stress and better mental health outcomes compared to those who
did not.
Moreover, Hossler et al. (2022) suggested that universities should provide more
assistance. Their research indicated that such support services could significantly alleviate
financial stress and improve students' mental health and academic performance.
The connection between financial stress and elevated stress levels is well-
documented. Eisenberg et al. (2017) noted that financial stress is a critical predictor of
overall stress among college students. Their research demonstrated that students facing
financial difficulties are more likely to experience heightened stress levels, characterized
A study by Montalto et al. (2019) found that financial stress is closely linked to
increased levels of overall stress among college students. The research emphasized that
financial worries can lead to chronic stress, affecting students' physical health, academic
significantly contributes to increased stress levels among college students. This study
highlighted that financial stressors, such as debt and the inability to afford basic
necessities, play a significant role in escalating students' overall stress, which can hinder
The relationship between financial stress and poor sleep quality is well-
documented. Eisenberg et al. (2017) found that financial stress is a significant predictor of
poor sleep quality among college students. Their research showed that students facing
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financial difficulties are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, including difficulty
factor in mitigating financial stress among students. Students who are more knowledgeable
about managing their finances tend to experience less financial stress, which positively
contributes to sleep problems among college students. The study emphasized that the
anxiety and worry associated with financial stress lead to hyper arousal, making it difficult
al. (2021) explained that financial worries increase levels of stress hormones, such as
cortisol, which can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and reduce sleep quality. Chronic stress
from financial concerns can lead to persistent hyper arousal, making it difficult for students
Additionally, Walsemann et al. (2020) found that the mental health impact of
financial stress, including anxiety and depression, is closely linked to sleep disturbances.
Their research suggested that financial stress exacerbates symptoms of anxiety and
Interventions to mitigate financial stress and improve sleep quality among college
students are crucial. According to Gutter and Copur (2022), financial education programs
can significantly reduce financial stress and improve sleep quality. Their study showed that
students who participated in financial literacy workshops reported lower levels of financial
stress and better sleep quality compared to those who did not.
aid, to help students manage financial stress. Their research indicated that such support
services could alleviate financial stress and improve sleep quality, leading to better overall
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework for understanding the impact of financial stress on the
mental health of college students integrates multiple theories and concepts from
psychology, economics, and sociology. This framework aims to elucidate the complex
interactions between financial stressors, coping mechanisms, and mental health outcomes
Stress and Coping Theory, proposed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984), posits that
individuals experience stress when they perceive that environmental demands exceed their
resources. Financial stressors such as tuition fees, living expenses, and student loan debt
can trigger stress among college students. Coping mechanisms, including problem-focused
(e.g., seeking social support, positive reframing), mediate the relationship between
Financial Strain Theory posits that economic hardship and financial stressors exert
a direct and indirect influence on mental health outcomes. It emphasizes the material and
strain are susceptible to adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression,
relationships can mitigate the negative impact of stress on mental health. It encompasses
emotional, instrumental, and informational support. College students rely on social support
from peers, family, and institutional resources to cope with financial stress. Perceived
social support moderates the relationship between financial stress and mental health
Figure 1 shows the illustration of the variables of study: the independent variable
and the dependent variable. The independent variable comprised of monthly expenses,
financial support, and financial literacy. In contrast, the dependent variable focuses on the
anxiety level, depression level, stress level, and sleep quality. The arrow that connects
these variables shows the significant influence of the independent variable, dependent
variable.
Conceptual Framework
Mental Health
Financial Stress
Anxiety Level
Monthly Expenses
Depression Level
Financial Support
Stress Level
Financial Literacy
Sleep Quality
Intervening Variable
Hypotheses
Ho: There is no significant relationship between the extents of financial stress towards
Chapter II
Methodology
This chapter presents the research design, locale and respondents, sampling
procedure and statistical tools and treatment data for the clear understanding in chapter 1
Research Design
uses objective measurement to gather numeric data that are used to answer questions or test
research is a type of non-experimental research where the researcher employed the data
derived from preexisting variables (Ary et.al, 2006). Quantitative since numeric data were
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used to answer the impact of financial stress to mental health of college students. The study
Sampling Technique
The sampling technique employed for this study was stratified random sampling.
Respondents were identified from a single school through a stratified random sampling
technique. To identify respondents within the school chosen, researchers first identified the
population of College students per department from First year to Fourth year. By
accurately reflects the distribution of students across different year level levels.
Cotabato. One-hundred (100) students from First Year to Fourth Year College are
Instrumentation
questionnaire was divided into two main sections. The initial segment focuses on
collecting demographic information from the respondents, specifically regarding their sex,
age, and year level. Respondents indicate their respective details by checking the relevant
options.
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Stress to Mental Health of College Students, comprising three factors: The second part of
the questionnaire contains the extent of financial stress in terms of monthly expenses,
financial support, and financial literacy. The third part of the questionnaire contains the
impact of financial stress to mental health of college students in terms of Anxiety level,
Depression level, Stress level and Sleep Quality. Each of these factors comprises five
individual items, each presenting a unique question for respondents to be rated. The
researchers utilized Likert scale with the description Strongly Agree (5), Agree (4), Neutral
(3), Disagree (2) and Strongly Disagree (1) to express the responses of the respondents.
The researchers secured a letter of approval from the Dean of College of Arts and
Sciences Department. Upon approval, the researchers sent a letter to the different Deans of
College department. Once the letter was approved, the researcher made a list of the
respondents by organizing the population based on their department per year level. The
researcher determined the sample size for each stratum to ensure a similar sample size
across subgroups. The researcher randomly selected individuals within each stratum to
form the final sample by performing a draw-lot in each year-level section. The researcher
personally administered the questionnaire to the target respondents. Orientation was made
to explain the purpose of the research, and the respondents were given enough time to read
and understand what was being asked in the questionnaire. Some clarifications were
entertained. Upon completion, the questionnaires were retrieved in less than an hour. It
underwent statistical application after gathering, consolidating, and recording the data.
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The data gathered through the questionnaires was analyzed using the following
appropriate statistical tools to address the research questions: frequency count and
percentage will be used to present the demographic profile of the respondents. Mean
and standard deviation were used to determine the extent of financial stress in terms of
monthly expenses, financial support, and financial literacy, and the impact of financial
stress to mental health of college students in terms of Anxiety level, Depression level,
Stress level and Sleep Quality. Spearman rho will be used to determine the significant
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