Speaker
Description
This study explores the impacts of financial distress on mental health and academic motivation among students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Financial distress has become a global issue among university students, affecting their psychological well-being and academic persistence. In Malaysia, particularly in East Malaysia, rising tuition fees, limited part-time job opportunities, and socioeconomic inequality have increased students’ financial strain. This research employs a quantitative cross-sectional survey involving 375 UMS undergraduates (Year 2 and above) to examine how financial distress influences both mental health and academic motivation. Validated instruments, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW), the Mental Health Inventory-18 (MHI-18), and the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) were used. SPSS will be utilized for descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses. Preliminary findings indicate that financial strain is a strong predictor of poor mental health and diminished academic motivation. The study emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, institutional support, and mental health interventions to improve students’ resilience and academic outcomes.
