| Abstract | The transition from academia to employment is a critical phase in a student’s life, often
accompanied by significant psychological stress. This study explores the influence of social and
institutional factors on placement-related anxiety among students. Social pressures from family, peers,
and societal expectations can heighten anxiety levels, particularly when success is narrowly defined
by immediate job acquisition. Simultaneously, institutional elements such as placement policies,
competition-driven environments, inadequate career support, and unrealistic academic expectations
contribute to heightened stress and uncertainty. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys
and in-depth interviews with undergraduate and postgraduate students, this research identifies key
triggers of placement anxiety and examines how different socio-institutional dynamics interact to
influence student mental health. Findings highlight the need for more supportive institutional
frameworks and a broader societal understanding of career success to mitigate placement-related
stress. The study emphasizes the importance of holistic career preparation and mental health support
systems in higher education institutions.
|
|---|
