Exploring stress and coping mechanisms: A comparative study of accounting and nonaccounting students in a northern public university

This research aims to explore the factors contributing to stress among tertiary students, with a focus on the Universiti Utara Malaysia, and the coping mechanisms they adopt in response. The current study examines the mental health conditions of undergraduates, including accounting and nonaccounting students. Given the growing concern over student mental well-being, Malaysia has implemented strategies focusing on early intervention, mental health awareness, and the integration of psychological well-being into university curricula. An online questionnaire survey was conducted. The participants were selected via convenience sampling, which is based on students’ availability, accessibility to the researchers or their willingness to participate. Final feedback was received from a total of 126 undergraduates, comprising 67 accounting and 59 nonaccounting students from diverse semesters with different program backgrounds. The survey assessed four areas of stress-related factors, including academic, financial, psychological, and environmental factors, as well as stress relief approaches implemented among the students. Descriptive analysis of the collected data revealed that accounting students experienced significantly higher stress levels than did their peers in other programs. Research has shown that these students manage their stress in various ways when facing academic, financial, psychological and environmental stress-related factors. Comparisons among the findings of the current study and those of previous studies in similar contexts were made, and several interesting outcomes were demonstrated. Given the elevated stress levels among accounting students, targeted interventions are crucial for mitigating the negative impact of stress on their academic performance and overall well-being. The findings highlight the need for enhanced mental health support systems and tailored stress management strategies within university settings.