Stress, Employment and Academic Performance: A Study Exploring the Effects of Perceived Stress and Employment on a Third Level Student’s Academic Performance

Background: The level of employment among students today is increasing along with the amount of stressors they have to face which can have a large impact on their academic performance. This study aims to investigate the effects of perceived stress, employment, personality type and age on a third level student’s academic performance. Method: A convenience sample of 72 students from the National College of Ireland was used. A questionnaire was distributed online and in paper format containing demographic questions, employment questions, the perceived stress scale, a subscale of the PASCI (Personal and Academic Self Concept Inventory), and the measurement of pattern A behaviour. Results: There was negative correlations found between academic performance and stress and, academic performance and personality type. Further correlations between variables are discussed. Stress, personality type and age were found to be significant predictors of academic performance. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that stress and personality type can have a negative effect on academic performance whereas age can have a positive effect on academic performance