Predicting Perceived Stress in Students: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models

As stress in students has increased in the last years, factors predicting stress need to be investigated. The aim of the present study was to replicate previous findings using the demand-control model and to examine the role of emotional distress in a transactional model (inspired by Lazarus' transactional stress model). "Stress, mental health, demands and control" and several "additional attributes" were assessed. Different multiple linear hierarchical regressions were examined. The demand-control model explained a total of 55% in variance (including "depression" and "anxiety" as confounding variables). The transactional model explained a total of 62% in variance. All in all, the predictive validity of the transactional model exceeded that of the demand-control model in predicting students' perceived stress. Especially intraindividual aspects like self-efficacy, coping and resources are of relevance for student interventions.