A Study on the Degree of Perceived Stress among Staff in Public University

Abstract

The feelings and beliefs encompassing an individual's assessment of their current or past stress levels are referred to as perceived stress. This phenomenon is common due to the high demands of contemporary responsibilities. This study delves into perceived stress experienced by staff in public universities, a segment prone to similar pressures. Reports in the media frequently highlight such stress among Malaysian public sector employees. The complex challenges faced by public sector staff require thorough resolution for effective job performance. Focusing on this, the article investigates perceived stress within the context of Malaysian public university staff. Through an online survey involving 72 university staff, we employed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to gauge the extent of perceived stress. The findings reveal that all staff members encountered moderate levels of perceived stress. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of perceived stress dynamics among Malaysian public university staff, inviting further exploration into effective stress management strategies.