Chapter+2

 In this chapter, we will review a few related articles that will help us to understand more on our topic. We will discuss three related. The first issue will focus on UMP s. Second issue is the effect of examination stress to UMP students and the final topic will be the method on how to overcome stress.
 * 2.0 Literature Review **

 For some students, college is stressful because it is an immediate change from high school. For others, separation from home is a cause of stress. Research has found that more than 85 percent of college students feel increased stress and anxiety at exam time, and that number is likely even higher during their first time around. Parents are hoping for their children to do well for their examination. Margaret explains that there are two types of parents. There are those who just want their children to do well in life or maybe benefit from what they have not been able to achieve themselves and then there are the high-achieving parents who have great expectations for their children and push them beyond what is normally expected in order to show everything they do. At times parents want their children to get good grades because they feel it is a reflection of their parenting skills. There are also two indirect situations which are adding to the children’s anxiety. There may be children who are pressured into too many activities which may cause unnecessary stress. On the other hand, there are instances where parents become so obsessed with their children’s exams that they do not notice that their children are stressed out and continue to eliminate them from all other activities that the children might enjoy attending. There are also students that worry about their past performance on exam, how friends and other students are doing and the negative consequences of failure (Mental Health Advisor, 2007). Students that face exam stress have lack of preparation such as cramming the night before the exam, poor time management, failure to organize notes and poor study s (Counseling Services, State University of New York at Buffalo).
 * 2.1s Stress of Exam **

 Ineffective coping strategies may contribute to student health problems, increased demand for health services, and higher student attrition rates (Landward & Hepworth, 1984; Mechanic & Greenly, 1976; Selye, 1976). In 2006, Mats Lekander and other scientists conducted experiments and discovered that mental stress that some students experience while taking their exams may affect their immune defence system more so if the students have allergy. Scientists were able to show that a group of cell that are central to the human immune system know as regulator T cell appear to increase sharply when the students were under stress ( Scientists, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm). Stress manifests both physically and mentally. Physical symptoms look out from students doing exam include loss of appetite, headaches, sleeplessness, lack of concentration, panic attacks, difficulty in breathing, heart palpitations and dizziness. Not all of this symptom will e present for a stress person. More commonly, students manifest their stress in emotional or psychological ways. Students cal angry and impatient or students may lose their enthusiasm and interest in things. Students can become irritable or intolerant and loss their sense of perspective (Jim Clarke, 2001).
 * 2.2 Exam stress affect student **

 Howard Bloom in his book on evolution, ‘Global Brain’, says, //‘Humans who can solve a problem remain vigorous. But, those who cannot get a grip on their dilemma become victims of self-destruct mechanisms.’// Stress and anxiety are very common among students who are preparing for important exams. However, with proper natural techniques to relieve the students of self-doubt, stress and anxiety, they can overcome these factors and come out with good result in every exam. It is important to talk to someone ** that can be ** trusted such as a family member, teacher or friend if the students feel very stressed and worried. Do not be embarrassed to ask for support. The students can also make an appointment with your college nurse or counseling service especially if they find difficulty to eat or sleep properly. To avoid exam stress make sure students are well prepared. Good planning is the key to success (UK mental health charity Mind). Get revision timetable ready and try to stick to it. Ask lecturer to find out if there are past exam papers you can look at to familiarize with the type of questions that will be asked. Practice completing the exam paper in the set time limit for more confident on the day. Make time in the day to relax whether half an hour for reading a book or a long bath in the evening. A positive attitude helps as well. If students know that they have done their best, student should not worry. Health Information and Self Care Advice from Scotland says that body needs energy, so do not skip meals or stay up all night for revising. It is not good in the long run because by the time the exam comes, students do not have any energy and concentration levels will be low. Get some physical exercise every day. This will help keep student mood positive and help to sleep well.
 * 2.3 Overcome Exam Stress **