Academic stress, peer pressure, and life satisfaction as predictors of anxiety levels among university students in Malaysia

Tong, Huey Yin and Wang, Sze Jazz and Wong, Zu Yuen (2025) Academic stress, peer pressure, and life satisfaction as predictors of anxiety levels among university students in Malaysia. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

Anxiety is a prevalent concern among university students and can be influenced by factors such as academic stress, peer relationships, and life satisfaction. This study examined how academic stress (AS), peer pressure (PP), and life satisfaction (LS) predicted anxiety levels (AL) in a sample of Malaysian undergraduate students. A quantitative, cross‐sectional, correlational design was employed, with data collected from 121 Malaysian undergraduate students. Validated instruments were used: the Perception of Academic Stress Scale (PASS) for AS, the Peer Pressure Questionnaire-Revised (PPSQ-R) for PP, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) for LS, and the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS) for AL. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine how AS, PP, and LS contribute to student anxiety levels. Results indicated that academic stress significantly and positively predicted anxiety levels, meaning that students reporting higher academic stress also reported higher anxiety. Peer pressure was a significant negative predictor of anxiety, suggesting that higher perceived peer pressure was associated with lower anxiety. Life satisfaction did not significantly predict anxiety levels when controlling for academic stress and peer pressure. These findings suggest that academic stress is a major contributor to anxiety in this Malaysian student sample, whereas peer pressure may act as a protective factor. Life satisfaction did not significantly influence anxiety when academic pressures were considered. These results underscore the need to address academic stress in efforts to reduce student anxiety and suggest further research on peer pressure and life satisfaction in student well-being.

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