Using the Kawa Model to address stress in college students

Starting college is a major transformative event for many young adults. During their freshman year, students experience increased levels of both independence and responsibility. This transition can increase student vulnerability to academic, financial, emotional, and social stress (Shatkin et al., 2016). Unfortunately, repeated or prolonged exposure to stress can put a person at risk for subsequent mental health challenges (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). A study by Adams and colleagues (2021) found that 32% of students entering their first year of college experienced mild to moderate levels of anxiety, and 27% experienced moderate to severe levels of depression. Those levels rose between 5% and 6% by the end of their first academic year (Adams et al., 2021). For this reason, it is important for college students to be consciously aware of their own life stressors and have the tools to effectively address them.