Stress can be motivational or may present
challenges; it can be negative or positive.
Coping with stress in any situation may
be difficult, however. Even stress that has
a positive outcome can create long-term
physical as well as psychological problems
that affect one's physical and mental wellbeing.
The Spring 2006 National College
Health Assessment (ACHA, 2007), developed
by the American College Health Association,
reported stress as the number one health
impediment to the academic performance
of students. Stress can lead to overeating,
smoking, anxiety disorders, alcohol and/or
drug abuse, or depression (Ewing et al., 2007).