Psychological Capital, Happiness and Academic Stress among College Students

The aim of the present study was to understand whether there are significant gender or discipline related differences with respect to levels of psychological capital, happiness and perceived stress among college students. This research was undertaken keeping in mind the increasing levels of academic stress among students and the role happiness and PsyCap play in dealing with such pressures. These academic stressors pose a great threat to psychological and physical health and qualities like hope and optimism have been found to reduce stress levels and increase overall well-being. The main objectives of the study were to (a) explore the relationship among PsyCap, happiness, and perceived stress and (b) to compare male and female students from social and natural science disciplines on the variables of interest. Sample for the present study comprised of 122 students, chosen purposively. Out of these, there were 62 females, 60 males, 61 from natural sciences and 62 from social sciences. Data was collected using Psychological Capital Questionnaire, Happiness Scale and Perceived stress scale. Obtained data was analyzed with the help of 2-way ANOVA and Pearson Product moment correlation analysis. Results of the current study revealed that there are significant differences in the levels of PsyCap, happiness and perceived stress across gender and discipline. The current study also found that PsyCap has significant and positive correlation with happiness on one hand, whereas on the other hand, it has significant and negative correlation with perceived academic stress among students.