ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ROLE STRESS AMONG UITM OFF CAMPUS STUDENTS

Abstract

A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 272 active off-campus students at UiTM Shah Alam selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring four antecedents of role stress: student life demands, study–work balance challenges, family life demands, and financial constraints. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between these factors, role stress, psychological well-being, and academic performance. The findings indicate that all four antecedents were significantly associated with role stress. Student life demands emerged as the strongest predictor, suggesting that academic workload and performance expectations contribute most substantially to students' stress levels. The results further revealed that higher levels of role stress were associated with increased anxiety and depression, as well as poorer academic performance. Although the use of convenience sampling limits the generalizability of the findings, the sample size provided adequate statistical power to support the reliability of the results. The study highlights the need for higher education institutions to implement strategies that reduce role stress among off-campus students. Flexible academic policies, counselling and mentoring services, financial assistance, and time management and stress management programmes are recommended to enhance students' psychological well-being, improve academic performance, and support the persistence and success of adult learners pursuing part-time or distance education.