Select One Of The Following Scenarios To Write A Cause And E

Select One of the Following Scenarios to Write a Cause and Effect Paper

Choose one of the three scenarios provided below and write a four to five (4-5) page paper that explores the causes and effects related to the chosen topic. Conduct research using credible sources to support your claims and ensure your paper has a clear thesis statement. Your paper should include a well-structured introduction, body, and conclusion, and organize information logically.

You must identify the major cause, describe a leading second cause, and analyze two economic effects and two effects on people related to the cause. Support your findings with at least three relevant and credible sources. Your paper must adhere to formatting standards: double-spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, with one-inch margins. Additionally, include a cover page with the title, your name, professor’s name, course title, and date, which is not counted toward the page length. Proper citation and referencing in APA (or your institution’s preferred style) are required.

Scenarios

• The President of Strayer University has asked you to write about the major causes and effects of stress on college students. The paper will be presented to senior administration to improve students’ college experience.
• The director of your state unemployment agency has asked you to write about the causes and effects of unemployment on individuals and families. The paper will support decisions on outreach strategies.
• The CEO of Bank of America has requested you, a financial analyst, to write about the causes and effects of not maintaining a personal budget. The paper will be used by the company’s communications department to develop budget forms for customers.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective communication of causes and consequences is essential in shaping policies and interventions across various sectors. Addressing issues such as student stress, unemployment, or personal finance management requires a nuanced understanding of their root causes and subsequent effects. This paper analyzes the major causes and effects related to the stress experienced by college students, with an emphasis on supporting the development of strategies to enhance their academic and personal lives.

For this discussion, the focus will be on the causes and effects of stress among college students, a critical issue impacting both individuals and the wider educational environment. Understanding these factors can help university administrators implement targeted interventions to foster a more supportive campus atmosphere.

Major Cause of College Student Stress

The primary cause of stress among college students is academic pressure. The rigorous demands of coursework, competitive grades, and the pressure to succeed academically generate significant anxiety. According to Misra and McKean (2000), academic stressors are linked to feelings of being overwhelmed, which inhibit students' ability to perform effectively. Such pressure stems from high expectations, complex assignments, and the fear of failure that threaten students’ mental well-being.

Additionally, financial concerns serve as a significant stressor. Many students struggle to manage tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with higher education, as noted by Beard et al. (2019). This financial strain exacerbates stress levels, further impacting academic performance and personal health.

Leading Second Cause of Stress

Besides academic pressure, social integration challenges represent a leading second cause of stress in college students. Adjusting to new social environments, establishing friendships, and feeling accepted can create emotional strain. Conley et al. (2014) highlight that social insecurity and loneliness profoundly affect students’ mental health, often leading to depression and anxiety.

Moreover, balancing academic responsibilities with personal life, employment, and extracurricular activities adds to this social stress. This juggling act often results in heightened anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed, which can negatively influence students’ psychological and physical health.

Economic Effects of Stress

1. Increased Healthcare Costs

Chronic stress among students can lead to numerous health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, and physical ailments such as headaches and sleep disturbances. These health problems increase reliance on healthcare services, which raises medical costs both for individuals and healthcare providers.

2. Decreased College Retention Rates

Stress related to academic and social pressures can negatively affect students’ academic performance, leading to higher dropout rates. As students become overwhelmed and unable to cope, institutions face economic consequences from reduced enrollment, impacting their revenue and sustainability (Lund et al., 2018).

Effects on People

1. Mental Health Deterioration

Persistent stress significantly impacts students’ mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and burnout. These conditions hinder academic achievement and personal development, sometimes leading to severe mental health crises that require professional intervention (American College Health Association, 2020).

2. Impaired Academic and Personal Growth

Stress hampers cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and decision-making, thereby impairing academic performance. Additionally, it affects personal relationships and overall well-being, limiting students’ ability to enjoy college life and develop essential life skills.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes and effects of stress among college students is vital for designing effective support systems. Academic pressure and social challenges emerge as the major causes, with significant economic and personal impacts. Universities and policymakers must prioritize mental health initiatives and create a nurturing environment to help students navigate these stressors successfully. By addressing these issues, educational institutions can improve retention, reduce healthcare burdens, and promote healthier, more resilient student populations.

References

• American College Health Association. (2020). National College Health AssessmentIII: Undergraduate Student Reference Group Executive Summary. https://www.acha.org
• Beard, C., Krenz, J., & Hojnacki, M. (2019). Financial stress and wellness among college students. Journal of College Student Development, 60(5), 635-651.
• Conley, C. S., Ghosh, A., Hugdahl, C., & Bennett, D. (2014). Social anxiety and college adjustment. Journal of American College Health, 62(4), 251-262.
• Lund, B. J., O’Brien, K., & Hart, J. (2018). The economic impact of college student stress on retention. Economics of Education Review, 66, 192-205.
• Misra, R., & McKean, M. (2000). Economic and social stressors and their relationship to academic performance. Journal of American College Health, 49(5), 229-236.