Investigating Perceived Stress, Isolation, Belongingness, Family-Related Angry Distress, and Perfectionism Tendency of First-Year Undergraduate of Chemistry-Related Majors

Abstract

In recent years, chemistry-related majors in universities have not been a popular choice for students in China. This paper conducts a questionnaire survey to investigate the perceived stress, isolation, belongingness, family-related angry distress, perfectionism tendency, and well-being of the first-year undergraduates in the chemistry-related majors at the start of the spring semester. The results indicate that more than half of the students show the tendency of self-oriented perfectionism, while nearly half of the students are affected by socially prescribed perfectionism. There is a significant gender difference in the socially prescribed perfectionism, and major preference shows significant differences in the perceived stress, isolation, belongingness, well-being, and self-oriented perfectionism. There is a significant correlation between self-oriented perfectionism and belongingness. Students with higher socially prescribed perfectionism also have a higher degree of family-related angry distress as well as higher perceived stress and isolation at school. This study highlights the complex interaction of personal and societal factors affecting the psychological well-being of the first-year undergraduates in the chemistry-related majors and underscores the need for targeted support strategies to foster a nurturing academic environment and enhance their well-being.