An Exploration of Students’ Experiences of Coping with Stress to Promote Well-Being: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Short, Jessica (2017) An Exploration of Students’ Experiences of Coping with Stress to Promote Well-Being: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This qualitative study explored the phenomenologically meaningful ways in which students support their well-being through the development of coping strategies. Additionally, how the exploration of these methods may have led to a richer understanding of the ways in which they have enhanced their well-being with regards to stress resilience and pressures associated with life as an undergraduate. An opportunity sample of six undergraduate students, in an equal proportion of genders, participated in semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used, as it revolves around context, meaning and perspectives. Three superordinate themes emerged through the analytic process, which were explored with regards to existing research: (1) Positive Coping Techniques, (2) Maladaptive Coping Techniques, and (3) The Relationship Between Stress and Well-Being. This research concluded that individuals must discover the methods of coping most suited to them individually, and successfully employ them in stressful situations in order to maintain a high level of both psychological and physical well-being.