The effect of positive thinking training on academic stress of Muslim students in thesis writing: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Several studies show that many students experience high levels of stress when completing their thesis. This study aims to examine the effects of positive thinking on university students in reducing academic stress related to thesis writing. This research method is pursued through experimental design. Before undergoing positive thinking therapy, participants assessed their stress levels using an academic stress scale instrument adapted from the Student-Life Stress Inventory. The participants consisted of 48 Muslim students who were writing their theses for the Psychology study program. The results showed that training in positive thinking can reduce students’ academic stress when completing their thesis. Students are highly susceptible to academic stress due to the multitude of stressors they encounter. This study recommends positive thinking training because it can effectively reduce academic stress levels in students. Cognitive-oriented strategies are more beneficial for students as they can enhance personal factors.