SCIENCE OF STRESS AND ITS COPING MECHANISMS
1 Department of Agricultural Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
2 Department of Health Education and Human Kinetics, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
* Corresponding author: panebiugo@gmail.com
2 Department of Health Education and Human Kinetics, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
* Corresponding author: panebiugo@gmail.com
Abstract
Stress has been explained, defined, characterized and conceptualized from biological, psychological, biochemical,
physiological and medical perspectives. Stress is thus a composite and multi-dimensional condition impacting
with profound consequences on man. It has been described as a force, which affects human beings physically,
mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. At time, it is described as the body’s response to any undesirable
mental demands. Stress at times is described as the wear and tear that stressors inflict on the human body and
mental plus behavioural characteristics describing how people react to the demand placed upon them, causing
them to worry and compromising ability to cope. Some stress is expected and can be positive force in our life
which is called Eutress. It is often what provides us with the energy and motivation to meet our daily challenges
both at home and at the workplace. This type of stress response is what helps us rise to a challenge and meet our
goals in the workplace such as deadline and targets. Some people will not consider this challenge as a type of
stress because having meet the challenges, we are satisfied and happy. Stress may also be described as an umbrella
term which encompasses physical trauma, strenuous exercise, metabolic disturbances and anxiety which
challenges the body’s wellbeing. Thus, it is a natural response that prompts us to address challenges and threat in
our lives. And so, a little bit of stress is good and can help us perform daily activities efficiently.
physiological and medical perspectives. Stress is thus a composite and multi-dimensional condition impacting
with profound consequences on man. It has been described as a force, which affects human beings physically,
mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. At time, it is described as the body’s response to any undesirable
mental demands. Stress at times is described as the wear and tear that stressors inflict on the human body and
mental plus behavioural characteristics describing how people react to the demand placed upon them, causing
them to worry and compromising ability to cope. Some stress is expected and can be positive force in our life
which is called Eutress. It is often what provides us with the energy and motivation to meet our daily challenges
both at home and at the workplace. This type of stress response is what helps us rise to a challenge and meet our
goals in the workplace such as deadline and targets. Some people will not consider this challenge as a type of
stress because having meet the challenges, we are satisfied and happy. Stress may also be described as an umbrella
term which encompasses physical trauma, strenuous exercise, metabolic disturbances and anxiety which
challenges the body’s wellbeing. Thus, it is a natural response that prompts us to address challenges and threat in
our lives. And so, a little bit of stress is good and can help us perform daily activities efficiently.
Keywords
Science
Stress
Coping Mechanism
References
- Abaribe, C., Uduhirinwa, C., & Onuiri, A. (2025). Perceived stress and coping mechanisms among nursing students during clinical placements at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. BMC Nursing, 24, Article 900. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03374-5
- Akorede, S. N., Ajayi, A., Toyin, A., & Uwadia, G. (2021). Influence of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of tertiary institution students in Nigeria. Tanzania Journal of Science, 47(1), 70–79.
- Alotiby, A. (2024). Immunology of stress: A review article. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(21), 6394. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13216394
- American Art Therapy Association. (2008). http://www.arttherapy.org/
- American Music Therapy Association. (2005). Definition and quotes about music therapy. http://www.musictherapy.org/about/quotes
- American Psychological Association. (2009). Stress in America 2009. American Psychological Association.
- Anieche, J. E., & Ottiwu, P. C. (2024). Academic stress and coping strategies among student nurses in colleges of nursing sciences in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Health Sciences and Nursing, 7(10), 1–14.
- Avdimiotis, S., Konstantinidis, I., Stalidis, G., & Stamovlasis, D. (2024). Coping with examination stress: An emotion analysis. Sensors, 24(13), 4297. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24134297
- Bohlmeijer, E., Prenger, R., Taal, E., & Cuijpers, P. (2010). The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on mental health of adults with a chronic medical disease: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 68(6), 539–544.
- Chukwuemeka, U. M., Okonkwo, U. P., & Njoku, C. J. (2023). Work-related stress, quality of life, and coping mechanisms among lecturers in a tertiary educational institution in Anambra State, Nigeria. BMC Psychology, 11, Article 73. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01114-5
- Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Miller, G. E. (2007). Psychological stress and disease. Journal of the American Medical Association, 298(14), 1685–1687.
- Frontiers in Digital Health. (2025). Stress management interventions for university students in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Digital Health, 7, Article 1603389. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1603389
- Goldin, P. R., & Gross, J. J. (2010). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on emotion regulation in social anxiety disorder. Emotion, 10, 83–91.
- Hassan, I. I., Jimoh, B. E., & Idris, Y. I. (2024). Relationship between academic stress and coping strategies among students of Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Intellectual Discourse, 7(1), 273–286.
- Holmes, T. H., & Rahe, R. H. (1967). The social readjustment rating scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 11(2), 213–218.
- Huda, N., Shaw, M. K., Chang, H. J., et al. (2024). The mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental health problems among nurses. BMC Public Health, 24, 17863. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17863-w
- Ibangha, J. (2022). Counselling in the workplace. In J. B. Kinanee (Ed.), Essentials of counselling in non-school settings. Atheribooks.
- Islam, M. S., & Rabbi, M. F. (2024). Exploring the sources of academic stress and adopted coping mechanisms among university students. International Journal on Studies in Education, 6(2), 255–271.
- Kelley, D. (2009). The effects of exercise and diet on stress. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition, 32(1), 37–39.
- Labrague, L. J. (2024). Stress levels, sources of stress, and coping mechanisms among student nurses: An umbrella review. Nursing Reports, 14(1).
- Loy, M. (2014). Stress, emotional well-being, and mental health. In A. Snelling (Ed.), Introduction to health promotion. Jossey-Bass.
- Maruva, S. (2025). Stress and immunity. https://healthypack.dasa.ncsu.edu/stress-and-immunity/
- Njoku, E. C. (2025). Psychological empowerment, stress coping strategies, and work performance among industrial workers in Owerri, Nigeria. African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 15(1), 112–126.
- Nwadi, C. L., Edeh, N. I., Ugwunwoti, E. P., Okafor, J. C., & Okorie, E. C. (2025). Impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction on test anxiety and academic achievement among Nigerian vocational education students. BMC Medical Education, 25, Article 578. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07130-w
- Olpin, M., & Hesson, M. (2010). Stress management for life: A research-based, experiential approach (2nd ed.). Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
- Olubiyi, S. K., Muraina, K. O., Akorede, S. N., Balogun, R. O., Olubiyi, V. M., & Ayeni, A. R. (2019). Relationship between the use of drugs and violent sexual behavior among married men: A case study of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State. Achievers Journal of Scientific Research, 2(1), 1–5.
- Robinson, L., & Smith, M. (2026). Stress management: Techniques and strategies to deal with stress. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/stress-management
- Seaward, B. L. (2011). Managing stress: Principles and strategies for health and wellbeing. Jones & Bartlett.
- Selye, H. (1956). The stress of life. McGraw-Hill.
- Taylor, S. E., Klein, L. C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A. R., & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). Biobehavioural responses to stress in females: Tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight. Psychological Review, 107(3), 411–429.
- Tompa, R. (2025). Stress management: Ways to cope with stressors large and small. Stanford Medicine. https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/12/stress-management-coping-skills-and-tools.html
- Torubeli, V. A. (2022). Workplace stress: The place of counselling. In J. B. Kinanee (Ed.), Essentials of counselling in non-school settings. Atheribooks.
- Yerkes, R. M., & Dodson, J. D. (1908). The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit-formation. Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology, 18, 459–482.
How to Cite
UGO, P., & HAMILTON-EKEKE, J. (2026). SCIENCE OF STRESS AND ITS COPING MECHANISMS. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 21(2), 52 - 59.
P. UGO, and J. HAMILTON-EKEKE, "SCIENCE OF STRESS AND ITS COPING MECHANISMS," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 52 - 59, June 2026.
