Thesis:

The relationship between academic stress and sleep quality with mediation of goal orientation.

The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of goal orientation in the relationship between academic stress and sleep quality among students. Considering the crucial role of sleep in physical and mental health and the negative impact of academic pressures on sleep quality, this study sought to provide a psychological explanation for this phenomenon. The statistical population included all master’s students of Educational Sciences at the Islamic Azad University of Sabzevar during the 2023–2024 academic year, estimated at around 190 students. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table, a sample size of 120 participants was determined. The sampling method was convenience sampling, in which the researcher selected students who were available and willing to participate, provided they met the inclusion criteria. This study employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM) through path analysis with PLS. Research instruments included the Academic Stress Questionnaire, the Sleep Quality Questionnaire, and the Goal Orientation Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software. The findings indicated that academic stress had a positive and significant relationship with poor sleep quality (?=0.501, P<0.001) and a negative and significant relationship with goal orientation (?=-0.516, P<0.001). However, the path from goal orientation to sleep quality was not significant (?=-0.154, P=0.085). Therefore, the mediating role of goal orientation in the relationship between academic stress and sleep quality was not confirmed. These results highlight academic stress as a strong predictor of impaired sleep quality among students. Reducing academic stress can therefore contribute to better mental health and improved academic performance. Based on the findings, it is recommended that universities implement educational programs and psychological interventions aimed at reducing academic stress and enhancing emotion management skills.

Keywords: Academic stress, Sleep quality, Goal orientation, Students, Structural equation modeling