From Aspiration to Anxiety: A Sociological Investigation of Mental Stress in Pre-Medical Students of Muzaffargarh, Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper explores the sociological factors contributing to mental stress among pre-medical students in Pakistan. The objectives are to identify these factors, assess the influence of family, peer, and community dynamics on students' mental health, and examine gendered patterns in mental health experiences. The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative research methodology, initially selecting two public and two private colleges through simple random sampling. A total of 150 participants, aged 17 to 25, were purposively sampled to ensure active student status and knowledge ability. Data collection utilized a self-administered structured questionnaire validated through expert evaluation and piloted for reliability. Statistical analyses including Cronbach's alpha, frequencies, percentages, independent sample t-tests, and multiple linear regressions were conducted using SPSS. The findings highlight significant influences of societal expectations, familial pressures, and peer dynamics on pre-medical students' anxiety levels, with notable gender disparities observed. These insights underscore the importance of targeted interventions and support systems in educational settings to mitigate academic-related anxiety and promote students' overall well-being.