THE LEVEL OF INFORMATION STRESS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN A PANDEMIC

Abstract

The sudden change in the living conditions and lifestyle of young people under the restrictions that were required during the pandemic is insufficiently studied. In particular, there are different points of view on the usefulness and necessity of distance learning technologies, to which higher education institutions were forced to switch. In the article, the author analyzes the increase in stress levels and especially information stress during a pandemic. The characteristic of the concept of information stress is given. Various points of view on the causes of stress in general, information stress in particular, its manifestations and consequences are analyzed. The results of a diagnostic study of information stress in students obtained using survey methods are presented. The author’s questionnaire and standardized methods were used: rapid diagnosis of K. Schreiner’s stress state (DSS, 1993); lifestyle analysis (Boston stress test); stress tolerance test. The level of information stress during the pandemic period and the causes are determined: information overload due to educational activities; anxiety about the future; the rapidity of the changes taking place, negative news. These data allow us to conclude that the increase in the level of information stress is not directly related to distance learning. The productive students’ coping strategies are defined: communication with friends, a loved one; sleep, rest, change of activities; analysis of their actions, search for other options; change of their behavior in this situation; physical activity. Unproductive coping strategies are noted, overeating is indicated as the main one. The main psychophysiological manifestations of stress are identified: headaches, increased fatigue; palpitations, heart pain; heavy breathing; tension or muscle trembling. The obtained results indicate the need for a more detailed study of the causes and comping strategies for overcoming information stress in students.