Academic Stress as a Risk Factor for Mental Health in Law Students in the Andean Highlands

Bedoya L.G.P.; Pineda-Ancco J.; Quintanilla-Chacón M.; Rodriguez-Rocha L. · European Public and Social Innovation Review (2025) · DOI: 10.31637/epsir-2025-1445

Resumen

Introduction: The transition from the school environment to university marks a significant milestone in students’ lives, both academically and personally. The School of Law at the National University of the Altiplano (UNA) is a major educational choice for young individuals in the highland regions. Therefore, this study aims to analyze academic stress as a risk factor for the mental health of Law students in the Peruvian highlands during the 2022-2 and 2023-1. Methodology: The research follows a descriptive, longitudinal, and trend-based approach. The study population consisted of 246 and 245 Law students from UNA during the specified semesters, respectively. Results: A high prevalence of academic stress among students is confirmed, making it a risk factor for mental health. It is triggered by symptoms, stressors and coping strategies. Discussion: The analysis focuses on the dimensions proposed by Barraza in his SisCo model. Conclusions: Factors such as homework load and forms of assessment contribute significantly to stress, indicating the need to review academic and administrative practices to reduce these triggers.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano