Positive And Negative Thinking and its Impact on Coping Strategies For Psychological Stress Among Students of The Faculty of Arts

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between positive and negative thinking styles and stress coping strategies among students at the Faculty of Arts at Zawiya University. Thinking is one of the fundamental mental processes that influences an individual's behavior and interaction with daily stressors, especially in a university environment characterized by numerous challenges. The research addressed the definition of both positive and negative thinking, and highlighted the characteristics of each, and the extent of their impact on the individual's ability to confront and adapt to psychological pressures. The concept of psychological pressure, its sources, symptoms, and the most important strategies used by students to confront it were also analyzed. The study relied on a descriptive analytical approach and drew on a set of previous related studies, which demonstrated that positive thinking is a contributing factor in effective adaptation and stress reduction, while negative thinking is a factor that leads to increased psychological stress and weak coping skills. The study reached several conclusions, most notably the existence of a direct relationship between negative thinking and increased psychological stress, while there is an inverse relationship between positive thinking and psychological stress, which underscores the importance of promoting positive thinking among university students. The study recommended the inclusion of courses or training programs aimed at developing positive thinking and stress management skills, and providing psychological support and academic counseling services in the university environment.