Kiruba K
Background and rationale: Academic and clinical stress among nursing students had been acknowledged globally as a persistent barrier to learning, well?being, and professional readiness. In urban Tamil Nadu, competitive academic culture, family expectations, language demands, and intensive clinical rotations had been observed to intensify stress. Objectives: The study had been aimed at assessing stress triggers and identifying adaptive coping styles using a convergent mixed?methods design. Methods: Quantitative data had been gathered using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS?10) and the Coping Behaviour Inventory (CBI), while qualitative narratives had been elicited through semi?structured interviews. Key findings: Moderate to high perceived stress had been reported by most participants; problem?solving and social support had been used frequently, whereas avoidance had been reported by a minority. Conclusion: Integration of findings had suggested that culturally sensitive wellness modules, mentorship, and systematic screening had been required to strengthen resilience among nursing students.