The Impact of Political Instability on Financial Anxiety, Career Orientation, Job Aspirations, Academic Performance, and Psychological Well-being among University Students

Abstract

This study examines the impact of political instability on financial anxiety, career orientation, job aspirations, academic performance, and psychological well-being among university students in Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified random sampling to select 400 students from various academic disciplines. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire incorporating validated scales such as the Financial Anxiety Scale, Career Adaptability Scale, Career Aspiration Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Brief Resilience Scale. Results indicate a significant correlation between political instability and financial anxiety (r = .482, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis shows that political instability significantly predicts financial anxiety (β = .38, p = 0.001) and academic engagement (β = .21, p = 0.010). Students perceiving high political instability demonstrate lower academic performance (M = 2.61, SD = 0.74) than those perceiving low instability (M = 3.12, SD = 0.68, p = 0.001). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis confirms that political instability increases stress (β = .50, p = 0.001) and anxiety (β = .47, p = 0.002) while decreasing emotional resilience (β = -0.34, p = 0.005). Students primarily use problem-focused coping (M = 3.98, SD = 0.85), followed by emotion-focused coping (M = 3.45, SD = 0.72). The study underscores the need for institutional interventions to support students facing political instability.