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From Stress to Strategy: A mixed-method study of daily stressors, coping strategies and well-being among first-year medical students

Authors

Farrukh Hayat Khan
HOD Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Bahria College of Medicine, BUHSCI
Nayyab Zehra
Lecturer Department of Health Professions Education, Bahria College of Medicine, BUHSCI
Anzah Babar
Clinical Psychologist Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Bahria College of Medicine, BUHSCI
Ahmed Hassaan Malik
Consultant Surgeon CMH Rawalpindi
Hina Akhtar Khan
Assistant Professor Department of Health Professions Education, Bahria College of Medicine, BUHSCI

Abstract

Objective:
To explore the daily stressors and coping strategies among first-year MBBS students.
Study Design:
Mixed- method study.
Place and Duration of Study:
Bahria University Health Sciences Campus, Islamabad, 06 months.
Patients and Methods:
This mixed- method study assessed stressors and coping strategies in first-year MBBS students at a private medical college using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Coping Self Efficacy Scale (CSE). Students also provided a qualitative narrative identifying their daily stressors and created personal stress management plans which included coping strategies after selfreflection.Thematic analysis of narratives using Braun & Clarke method was done.
Results:
Eighty-seven valid responses from the students were obtained for PSQ and 58 students responded to Coping Self Efficacy Scale. The overall PSQ indicated moderate perceived stress (mean=0.456, SD=0.131). The highest stressor was associated with having too many things to do. CSE score revealed a moderate to high level of coping self-efficacy (mean= 6.05-7.16), with participants reporting strong confidence in finding solutions to problems.
Conclusion:
First- year medical students experienced moderate stress accompanied with moderate to high coping self-efficacy. Self-reflection proved effective in identifying daily stressors and their coping strategies. Targeted interventions, specifically creating personal stress management plans, can help them prevent burnout. Ultimately, institutional support within medical institutions can enhance both academic resilience and the overall student wellbeing.

How to cite this article

Khan FH, Zehra N, Babar A, Malik AH, Khan HA. From Stress to Strategy: A mixed- method study of daily stressors, coping strategies and well-being among first-year medical students. HMDJ. 2026 June; 06(01): 08-12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69884/ hmdj.6.1.0985

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