A qualitative assessment of stressors among Iranian applicants to the university: an exploratory study

The purpose of this study was to explore the patterns of most effective stressors reported by Iranian applicants to the national entrance exam to the university. Sample consisted of 450 (male=191, female=234) university candidates. Using semi-structural questions, participants were asked about their most frequent stressors. The responses were qualitatively analyzed. Results showed that the most frequently reported stressors were family and academic. These findings address the importance of planning of psychological programs including training coping strategies for applicant and their families. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.