Student Mental Health Under Pressure
University years are a major life transition marked by academic demands, social changes, and uncertainty about the future. During this period, many students struggle to answer fundamental questions about who they are and what direction their lives should take.
The research team led by Pham Van Tuan, alongside Dieu and Nguyen, identifies identity crisis as a key psychological factor driving stress. In collectivist societies such as Vietnam, family expectations and social pressure can intensify this internal conflict, making identity formation more challenging.
Study Method: Survey of 352 Students
The research was conducted during the 2025–2026 academic year as a university-level scientific project at Sai Gon University. A total of 352 students participated in a quantitative survey.
The study measured two major areas:
1. Personal identity status
- Ideological identity (beliefs, values, career orientation)
- Interpersonal identity (friendships, romantic relationships, social roles)
2. Psychological stress levels
- Normal
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
- Extremely severe
Statistical analyses were used to examine relationships between identity development and stress levels.
Most Students Fall Into “Identity Foreclosure”
The findings show that most students are in the Identity Foreclosure stage — a condition in which individuals commit to life choices without sufficient personal exploration.
Interpersonal identity distribution:
- 67.3% → Identity Foreclosure
- 18.2% → Identity Moratorium
- 11.6% → Identity Diffusion
- 2.8% → Identity Achievement
This means many students adopt career paths or life decisions influenced by parents or society rather than personal exploration. The researchers link this pattern to collectivist cultural expectations.
Nearly One in Four Students Experience Severe Stress
The data also reveal concerning levels of psychological stress:
- 44.3% → Normal
- 15.6% → Mild
- 15.6% → Moderate
- 16.2% → Severe
- 8.2% → Extremely severe
In total, 24.4% of students experience severe to extremely severe stress, indicating an urgent need for stronger mental health support systems on campus.
Statistical Evidence: Identity Crisis Raises Stress
The study found a positive and statistically significant relationship between identity crisis and psychological stress.
Key findings:
- Ideological identity vs. stress: r = 0.305
- Interpersonal identity vs. stress: r = 0.261
- Both relationships are statistically significant (p < 0.05)
In simple terms, the greater the identity crisis, the higher the stress level.
Regression analysis shows:
- Ideological identity crisis explains 9.3% of stress variation
- Interpersonal identity crisis explains 6.8% of stress variation
Why Identity Crisis Increases Stress
The researchers identify several contributing factors:
1. Career Uncertainty
Students without clear career direction face increased anxiety and internal conflict.
2. Financial and Future Pressure
Economic concerns prolong identity exploration and heighten stress.
3. Relationship Challenges
Breakups, loneliness, and social difficulties can trigger interpersonal identity crises.
4. Family Expectations
In collectivist cultures, family influence often shapes major life decisions.
The team explains that identity formation is a period filled with uncertainty, internal conflict, and decision-making pressure — all strong predictors of psychological stress.
Implications for Universities and Policy
The findings carry important implications for higher education institutions.
The researchers recommend universities:
- Include identity crisis screening in student mental health services
- Strengthen career counseling and psychological support programs
- Provide identity exploration and self-development initiatives
- Implement early interventions before stress becomes severe
Early support can prevent stress from developing into serious mental health disorders.
Limitations and Future Research
The authors acknowledge limitations:
- Participants came from a single university
- The study used a quantitative survey approach
- Results may not represent all student populations
Future studies should use larger samples and combine qualitative or experimental methods.
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