Research Proposal Template for Coping Strategies of University Students to Manage Stress and Improve Academic Performance

This research proposal aims to determine the effectiveness of coping strategies adopted by university students to manage stress and improve their academic performance. It discusses the significance of the project, research problem, literature review, project aim, research questions, research design, sampling and recruitment, data collection and analysis procedures, and ethical issues.

NUR721 Research Proposal Template
Name:
Student number:
1. Project Title (15 word maximum)
How effective are the coping strategies adopted by university students to manage stress and improve their academic
performance?
2. Plain language description of the project
In today’s world of competition, feeling of anxiety as well as stress is a part of life. While a limited amount of stress is beneficial
for human beings. However when anxiety or stress level exist for a prolonged period of time, these factor turns to a burden
and give rise to several health risk issues. With the enhancement of competition in global academic system, continuous and
excessive stress is found to be affecting the lifestyle as well as cognitive performance of University students to a great extent.
Some off the major issues faced by the students includes difficulty in concentrating, increasing amount of worry, tension and
headaches, change in eating as well a sleeping habits and eventually lack of interest in pursuing university. In order to reduce
the stress level of the students, several coping strategies like Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancement (PCE) to reduce the
stress of university students by enhancing their alertness, focus memory as well as mood has been implemented.
3. Significance/relevance of the project (150 word maximum)
With the increment in the pressure as well as competition in the academic world, A good number of university students are
found to be the victim of stress as well as anxiety (Besser & Zeigler-Hill, 2014). Excessive stress imposes high impact on the
physical ability as well as cognitive skills of the students. While a good number of students are found get inclined towards drug
as well as alcohol abuse in order to cope up with the increasing amount of stress, others are found to develop several
psychological issues as a result of lack of confidence and motivation. It has be found that several universities like the
university of Michigan provides several stress management training to students so that they can deal with the excessive
amount of anxiety and stress. However, the number of students who are undergoing several physical as well as psychological
treatments due to enhanced amount of stress in universities is increasing. Therefore, it is highly crucial to found out the degree
to which coping strategies are effective for managing the stress level of university students.
4. Statement of the Research Problem or Issue (150 word maximum)
The research issue of the research paper is the globally increasing number of students suffering from stress and anxiety due
to excessive academic pressure, parental separation, relationship issues and lack of emotional support. This issue is imposing
negative impact on various sphere of the academic life (Fares et al., 2016). Therefore it has become crucial to introduce
appropriate coping measures for students who are suffering from stress and anxiety related issues. In order to cope up with
the issues, several university students are found to use abuse drugs and alcohols as well as develop smoking habits in order
to cop up with stress. In spite of the fact that these processes are found to provide temporary relief from stress, these coping
strategies has the potential to impose high impact on the both the psychological as well as physical health of the students. In
this research, the author will find out the degree to which coping strategies are effective for managing stress of the students
suffering from excessive stress and anxiety disorder.
5. Background/Literature Review (500 word maximum)
This chapter aims to state a brief resume of the findings of the research in the context of academic stress, achievement
motivation, hardiness and problem-solving behavior. Stress is a much-talked topic that emerges as a key concern among the
university students while managing their academic career and their performances.
Aspect of Stress

Figure: 1 Source: (Stoliker & Lafreniere, 2015)
The above figure illustrates the different aspects of stress among the university students towards the management of
academic performances.
Source of stress: One of the positive experiences of the students is their university life, though many students also view the
experiences as chronically stressful. The academic requirements such as the tests, papers, presentations are contributing to
the increased level of stress among the university students. According to van der Riet (2015), the major range of stress in the
students and the adolescent has resulted from the parental separation, divorce, issues in personal relations and social failure.
Academic failures have been reported to be the most common cause of the stress among the university students. There lies a
strong relationship among the personality variables like the extraversion, eroticism, and lack of social and emotional support,
loneliness and other psychological adjustments with the academic performance of the university students (Wang et al., 2015).
Emotion plays a very important role in the context of academic performances of the university students. In a number of
studies, it has been found that the most common factors contributing to stress and anxiety among the university students for
adjusting their academic performances were extensive pressures of the courses, lack of proper physical exercises and long
exam durations.
Different ways student cope up with stress: According to the studies conducted by many researchers, university students tend
to cope up various measures and ways to cope up with their stress levels. Fares et al. (2016), in his work, states how students
tend to get addicted to alcohol and drugs to manage their stress levels and their levels of anxiety caused due to different
factors. Researches furthermore identified gender differences and age differences as significant factors contributing to the
academic stress levels which induce the students to adopt some of the worst measures like smoking, drinking and other vices,
hibernation, avoiding or ignoring the issues, dwelling on the negative and eating up personal feelings. According to the works
of Besser and Zeigler-Hill (2014), students experiencing a high level of stress tend to hide away their thoughts and feelings
under the cover. They tend to sleep more often which results in increased lethargy among them that hampers their focus on
their academic performance.888 in his work identifies overeating and random cravings for high calorie and junk foods as one
of the measures students in the university level use to cope up with difficult times to manage their stress levels. Researches
furthermore identified the tendency of compulsive spending among the university students as the measures to deal with stress
levels (Hintz, Frazier & Meredith, 2015).
Impact of stress on the university students contributes to dissatisfied and bad performance in their academics. The measures
that the students generally cope up are the most unhealthy and worst ones which furthermore results in negative effects on
their health and new issues in their life.
6 The Project (1500 words maximum). In this section you need to use the headings provided to give information about all
aspects of the methods and procedures
6.1 Project Aim
The aim of the project is determine the degree of effectiveness of the coping strategies adopted by university students to
manage stress and improve their academic performance.

The objective of the research includes:
1. To find out the frequently used coping strategies used to the students to manage their stress level.
2. To determine the degree of effectiveness of the coping methods.
3. To find out the positive as well as negative impacts of the coping strategies imposed on the students
4. To find out whether the coping strategies impose any positive or negative impact on the culture, society or
environment or not.
5. To develop appropriate coping strategies for stress management of University students.
6.2 The Research questions/hypotheses
The research questions of the research paper will be as follows:
1. How effective are the coping strategies adopted by university students to manage stress and improve their academic
performance?
2. What are the frequently used coping strategies used to the students?
3. Are there any positive or native impact impacts of the coping strategies on the physical or psychological health of the
students?
4. Are there positive or native impacts of the coping strategies on the culture, society or environment?
6.3 Research Design
In this portion, the researcher will interpret the result of data analysis on the basis of the objective as well as the
purpose of the study. According to (Lewis, 2015), three basic research design includes exploratory research design,
explanatory research design and descriptive research design. The exploratory research design will chiefly include
the background information of the problem statement identified. Along with that, the explanatory design assists in
finding out of the reasons the problems has arisen. On the other hand, the descriptive research design will help the
researcher to relate the objectives of the research to the findings obtained. Keeping a symmetry between the
research objectives as well as the finding of the research paper demonstrate the attentiveness of the researcher
towards the issues of the research and his dedication to find an appropriate solution.
6.4 Sampling and Recruitment
In order to conduct an authentic research it is highly crucial to select appropriate sample. Sampling method is
defined as the process that involves selection of candidates appropriate for a certain research question (Meyers,
Gamst & Guarino, 2016). The two basic sampling methods followed by the researchers include probability and non-
probability sampling. Considering the fact that, in this research paper, random sampling will be performed, the chose
sampling method for this research paper will be probability sampling. The sample size of this research will be 10
University students who are currently pursuing study in university X, a renowned university of Australia. Along with
that, the researcher will also conduct literature review of 10 relevant articles in order to gather secondary dates. The
article chosen for the research will be written within the year 2013 to 2018.
6.5 Data collection methods and procedures
For this research, qualitative methodology will be followed. Both primary and secondary data collection method will
be involved. Primary data collection is crucial since it will help the researcher to directly communicate with the
sample and access their point of view associated with the research problem (Gile, Johnston & Salganik, 2015). Thus,
it can be understood that primary data collection will enhance the authenticity of the research to be conducted. In the
mentioned research, an open ended interview will be conducted with the selected samples. As discussed earlier, the
sample that will be selected to conduct this research are 10 students of university X. Each sample will be asked 10
open ended questions related to their anxiety or stress disorder as well as the coping methods used by them to deal
with the mentioned illness. Along with that, the researcher will also conduct literature review of 10 relevant articles in
order to gather secondary dates. The article chosen for the research will be written within the year 2013 to 2018. This
will be done to enhance the relevance of the research with current situation of the university students. By comparing
the primary as well as the secondary data obtained, the researcher will be able to reach to an effective and authentic
conclusion art the end of research.

6.6 Data analysis procedures
Qualitative data analysis is comprised of identification, examination as well as interpretation of patterns and themes in textual
data. It also helps the researcher to determine how these patterns and themes can assist in finding out the answer the
research questions at hand (Frank, 2012). Considering the fact that an open-ended interview will be conducted with the
university students for primary data collection, narrative data analysis will be performed. In the mentioned data analysis
procedure, researcher conducts research relying on the basis of the information provided by the samples in the form of written
or oral data (Clark et al., 2012). These approaches typically focus on the lives of individuals as told through their own stories.
In order to determine the degree of authenticity the data obtained, data analysis of the literature review will be conducted.
6.7 Ethical Issues: In this item list the key ethical issues that are associated with your project
Please refer to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (this document is discussed in ‘Topic 3:
Research Proposals’ in the learning materials in the course Blackboard. These questions are still included in the current HREA
online form.
What expected benefits and any risks of participating to this research? If any risks to participants, explain how these risks will
be negated/minimized/managed?
The probable risks for the participants are the breaching of the confidentiality and privacy. The personal data can get exposed
that is against the confidentiality standard, or the responses can be modified or can be used in some other works.
The collected data should not be used in other works or any kind of manipulation should be avoided to preserve the
authentication of the work. The researcher should be aware of the biasness and protection of the collected data is necessary
for an authentic work(Miller, Birch, Mauthner, & Jessop, 2012). Since this is a mixed method and includes both primary as well
as secondary analysis, secondary data can be a large scale of survey as well as well as the data collected as part from the
original work.
Are there any other risk involved in this research, e.g. to the research team, organization, others? If so explain how these
risks will be negated/minimized/managed
Normally there ate general agreements about the sharing of the large surveys but very little information lies in the sharing
of the original works. Data confidentiality and data protection should be taken care of(Ponterotto, 2013). If the data is
freely available on Internet, public forums and books, permission for using it further should be taken. The ownership for
the actual data would be acknowledged. Furthermore ethical approval should be taken from appropriate ethics committee
(Ponterotto, 2013).
Describe the consent process
The ethical guidelines would help the researcher to conduct the research appropriately. The consent of the participants is
mandatory before taking up the interview (Miller, Birch,Mauthner, & Jessop, 2012). The research should convey the
purpose of the research and the probable outcome of the research.The questions of the questionnaire or those asked
during the interview should avoid personal questions or should not hurt the emotions of the participants (TRIPATHY,
2013). Any participants should not be forced, if not willing to take part in the survey.
How will participant privacy and confidentiality be protected?
In order to conduct the research, the researcher will have to follow the ethical guidelines, in compliance with the data
protection act of 1998.Interviews should be conducted privately in separate rooms. The data should only be handled by a

reliable person.
Describe the information storage and security for data both during and after the completion of the project.
The hardcopies of the collected data or any recordings should be preserved in locked in cabinets to prevent loss or should be
preserved electronically for keeping it safe against unauthorized access. The softcopies will be kept in encrypted files
(Ponterotto, 2013).
6.8 Dissemination: Provide a brief outline of the ways in which you plan to disseminate the findings of your project.
Key findings can be communicated with the other researchers through scientific publications, news releases and
presentations. Key findings should be properly disseminated among the various community groups. In this case, this research
findings can be informed to the nurses and the midwives or to the psychologists (Wilson et al., 2010). The audiences that will
be considered are the study participants, researchers, the health departments, the media outlets, community groups,
government and the policy makers. Information and messages should be tailored to each of the audiences. Mass media, TV,
radio, social media outlets can be used to communicate the findings in an effective and fast way (Wilson et al., 2010).
Information can also be placed in publications and the websites of some community organizations. Local ways of
dissemination can be used such as presentation of the findings in seminars, health fairs or community events. Flyers and
brochures are also effective in displaying the findings.
While the planning of the dissemination strategy all the considerations can be made-
 The information should be kept short.
 Non-clear, non-technical languages should be used for conveying the message to the target audiences. The principle
points should be highlighted clearly.
 Proper graphics and easy to read fonts should be used for captivating he attention of the viewers.
Appendix 1: Budget Items (Not included in word count)
In this item you need to identify the things that would need to be funded to facilitate the efficient conduct of your research
project. For example, research assistant to collect data, copying costs if using a hard copy survey tool, transcription costs for
interview data, hardware and/or software, etc. For each item you nominate provide a short statement justifying the inclusion.
N.B. for this proposal you are not required to nominate a $ amount for the items you include.
Service Unit Cost
Proposal and project designing 800 Euro
Recruitment of 10 respondents 500 Euro
Incentive payment to respondents 500 Euro
Cost of delivering the full report 800 Euro
Travel Charge 200 Euro
2 Evening in a viewing facility with
Catering
1050 Euro
Total 3850 Euro
Appendix 2: Reference List (Not included in word count)
Provide the full details for all citations and sources in this proposal.

Besser, A., & Zeigler-Hill, V. (2014). Positive personality features and stress among first-year university students:
Implications for psychological distress, functional impairment, and self-esteem. Self and Identity, 13(1), 24-
44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2012.736690
Clark, A. M., Savard, L. A., Spaling, M. A., Heath, S., Duncan, A. S., & Spiers, J. A. (2012). Understanding help-seeking
decisions in people with heart failure: a qualitative systematic review. International journal of nursing
studies, 49(12), 1582-1597. Retrieved from:
http://gala.gre.ac.uk/14173/3/14173_ROBINSON_Sampling_Theoretical_Practical_2014.pdf
Fares, J., Al Tabosh, H., Saadeddin, Z., El Mouhayyar, C., & Aridi, H. (2016). Stress, burnout and coping strategies in
preclinical medical students. North American journal of medical sciences, 8(2), 75. DOI: 10.4103/1947-
2714.177299
Frank, A. W. (2012). Practicing dialogical narrative analysis. Varieties of narrative analysis, 33-52. Retrieved from:
https://in.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/41823_2.pdf
Gile, K. J., Johnston, L. G., & Salganik, M. J. (2015). Diagnostics for respondent‐driven sampling. Journal of the Royal
Statistical Society: Series A (Statistics in Society), 178(1), 241-269. Retrieved from:
https://rss.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/rssa.12059
Hintz, S., Frazier, P. A., & Meredith, L. (2015). Evaluating an online stress management intervention for college
students. Journal of counseling psychology, 62(2), 137. DOI: 10.1037/cou0000014
Lewis, S. (2015). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Health promotion
practice, 16(4), 473-475. Retrived from:
http://nategabriel.com/egblog/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/creswell2.pdf
Meyers, L. S., Gamst, G., & Guarino, A. J. (2016). Applied multivariate research: Design and interpretation. Sage
publications. Retrieved from: http://library.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/toc/ze_2006_1176.pdf
Miller, T., Birch, M., Mauthner, M., & Jessop, J. (Eds.). (2012). Ethics in qualitative research.
Sage.https://books.google.co.in/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=g2pEAgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=ethical+consideration+in+qualitative+research&ots=sH
Eq5YMnH7&sig=nmUrAfuuATUQn1eIeDk1Q49S6G8#v=onepage&q=ethical%20consideration%20in
%20qualitative%20research&f=false
Ponterotto, J. G. (2013). Qualitative research in multicultural psychology: Philosophical underpinnings, popular
approaches, and ethical considerations.http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/2326-3598.1.S.19
Stoliker, B. E., & Lafreniere, K. D. (2015). The influence of perceived stress, loneliness, and learning burnout on
university students' educational experience. College Student Journal, 49(1), 146-160.Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kathryn_Lafreniere/publication/
282817514_The_Influence_of_Perceived_Stress_Loneliness_and_Learning_Burnout_on_University_Student
s'_Educational_Experience/links/5856b8df08aeff086bfbcf6a.pdf
TRIPATHY, J. P. (2013). Secondary Data Analysis: Ethical Issues and Challenges. Iranian Journal of Public
Health, 42(12), 1478–1479.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441947/
van der Riet, P., Rossiter, R., Kirby, D., Dluzewska, T., & Harmon, C. (2015). Piloting a stress management and
mindfulness program for undergraduate nursing students: Student feedback and lessons learned. Nurse
Education Today, 35(1), 44-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2014.05.003 0260-6917
Wang, J. L., Wang, H. Z., Gaskin, J., & Wang, L. H. (2015). The role of stress and motivation in problematic
smartphone use among college students. Computers in Human Behavior, 53, 181-188. DOI:
10.1016/j.chb.2015.07.005
Wilson, P. M., Petticrew, M., Calnan, M. W., & Nazareth, I. (2010). Disseminating research findings: what should
researchers do? A systematic scoping review of conceptual frameworks. Implementation Science : IS, 5, 91.
http://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-91