Peran Character Strengths dan Virtues terhadap Stres Akademik pada Mahasiswa Tingkat Akhir di Universitas Sumatera Utara

Abstract

This study aims to determine the role of character strengths and virtues in academic stress among final-year students at the University of North Sumatra. The research focuses specifically on the role of character strengths in managing academic stress. Character strengths are positive traits that guide individuals toward achieving virtues, reflected in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This phenomenon is based on the high levels of academic stress experienced by final-year students, wherein character strengths help them overcome various challenges and pressures. By identifying and utilizing character strengths to manage academic stress, optimal psychological well-being can be maintained during the completion of their studies. The subjects of this study are 285 students from the University of North Sumatra, evenly distributed across all faculties. This research uses two scales to measure character strengths and academic stress. The results show that character strengths play a 62% role in academic stress. The top five character strengths that help finalyear students cope with academic stress while working on their theses are citizenship, prudence, leadership, humor, and bravery. Therefore, the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted, indicating a significant influence of character strengths on academic stress among final-year students.