The stress paradox: exploring the relationship between academic satisfaction and financial difficulties in Malaysian university students

This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the stress level of Malaysian undergraduate students. This study used the survey method of research, and data was gathered via questionnaires. A total of 110 undergraduate accounting students from a public university in Malaysia was participated in the survey. The findings of this study show that satisfied academic performance has a negative and significant relationship with stress level. On the other hand, the financial difficulties have a positive and significant relationship with stress level. Findings of this study have implications for policymakers and university administrators who have a keen interest in enhancing mental health among university students.