ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of an online survey that was conducted on prospective, current and past students of Nelson College London, UK. The purpose of the study was to determine if these widening access mature students are aware of the concept of ‘coping resources’ and if they would benefit from classes or workshops dedicated to teaching them how to evaluate their resources. Stevan Hobfoll has postulated that people experience stress as a result of three distinct scenarios – a threat or perceived threat to their resources; an actual loss of resources; and in expending resources without achieving a net gain. A challenge that many higher education institutions face when teaching adult learners is the rate of withdrawals, particularly due to burnout. If students are better equipped with the knowledge to manage their resources, then it is contended that the rate of withdrawal could be decreased. Furthermore, if students learn to evaluate and manage their resources this will also help them in their lives after higher education.
