العربية The Relationship Between Academic Stress and Academic and Career Aspirations Among Medical Students at the University of Derna: A Case Study in the Aftermath of Storm Daniel

Abstract

  The study aimed to examine the relationship between academic stress and academic and career aspirations among fifth-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Derna, in the aftermath of Storm Daniel, using a descriptive–analytical approach. The study sample consisted of 34 male and female students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire whose validity and reliability were verified,The results indicated that the level of academic stress was moderate (3.61), with the most prominent sources being examinations, lack of psychological support, and the intensity of academic coursework. The level of academic and career aspiration was moderately high (3.47), with a clear emphasis on acquiring professional experience. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate inverse relationship between academic stress and aspiration (ρ = −0.352, p = 0.041), with the items related to “lack of psychological support” and “emergency events” showing the strongest negative association with aspiration,Furthermore, the linear regression model failed to achieve statistical significance, suggesting that the relationship between the two variables is mediated by other factors. The study concluded that academic stress negatively affects academic and career aspirations, particularly the professional dimension, and that psychological support and resilience in coping with disasters are critical factors in sustaining students’ aspirations. Accordingly, the study recommended strengthening psychological and counseling support services, developing career guidance programs, and establishing flexible mechanisms to address exceptional circumstances.