The relationship between perceived stress levels, coping strategies, and spiritual well-being among Uyghur students

The psychosocial adaptation processes of migrant individuals, particularly due to factors such as cultural differences, language barriers, and social isolation, pose significant challenges in their academic and personal lives. This study aims to examine the relationships between the levels of spiritual well-being, perceived stress, and coping styles of Uyghur university students. The study was conducted during the 2023–2024 academic year with a total of 106 Uyghur university students (69 female and 37 male). A quantitative research method was employed, utilizing the relational survey model. Participants were selected based on voluntariness, and data were collected through an online platform, Google Forms. To gather data, the Personal Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Coping Styles Scale were used. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 25 program. Independent-samples t-tests were conducted for binary groups, and one-way ANOVA was applied for variables involving three or more groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for categorical variables such as parental education levels. Relationships between variables were assessed using Pearson Correlation Analysis, and the strength and direction of these relationships were examined through Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The findings of the study revealed that spiritual well-being was significantly influenced only by participants' income level, while other demographic variables (gender, age, employment status, parental education levels, number of siblings) showed no significant differences. Regarding perceived stress levels and coping styles, only the age variable was found to have a significant effect. Other demographic variables, including gender, employment status, and parental education levels, had no significant impact on spiritual well-being, perceived stress, or coping styles. These findings were discussed in light of the existing literature. Notably, the impact of socioeconomic status on spiritual well-being and the role of age in differentiating stress-coping processes among Uyghur students align with findings from other studies focusing on minority groups. Based on the findings, recommendations were provided to strengthen the spiritual support systems of Uyghur students and to enhance their strategies for coping with stress.