STUDY HABIT AND ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT AS CORRELATES OF ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This study investigated Study Habit and Academic Adjustment as correlates of Academic stress among students of tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. This research work adopted a correlational research design. The population for this study was 44,546 students of public tertiary institutions out of which three hundred and ninety four (394) were selected through stratified proportionate random sampling and participated in the study. The instruments for data collection were structured questionnaires titled Study Habit and Academic Adjustment Questionnaire (SHAAQ) and Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ). The instruments (SHAAQ and ASQ) were subjected to face and content validity. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach alpha which yielded 0.78 and 0.74 reliability index respectively. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings from the study show that there was significant relationship between Study Habit and Academic Stress among students of tertiary Institution in Taraba State, the relationship between Academic Adjustment and Academic Stress among students of tertiary Institution in Taraba State was also significant; It was recommended among others, that students should be encouraged to establish consistent study routines, break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and seek help when needed.