Paper Details

Mental health problems such as stress and burnout have become major concerns among students and young professionals in India due to increasing academic pressure, workload, financial responsibilities, and changing lifestyles. This study examines the hidden economic cost of stress and burnout and analyses their relationship with academic and work performance. A comparative cross-sectional research design was adopted using a stratified random sample of 100 respondents, including 50 students and 50 young professionals. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire during 2025–2026. The study employed the Cost-of-Illness method, weighted ranking analysis, and multiple regression analysis to estimate economic burden and identify major stress factors. The findings reveal that the average total economic cost of stress among students is relatively low compared to young professionals, while productivity loss forms the major component of economic burden among working individuals. Time management issues and academic pressure emerged as the primary stress factors among students, whereas heavy workload, deadlines, and financial responsibilities were the major causes of stress among young professionals. Regression results indicate that stress and burnout have only a limited statistical influence on academic and work performance, suggesting that other psychological and environmental factors also affect productivity and achievement. The study highlights that stress and burnout are not only psychological concerns but also significant economic issues affecting human capital and productivity. The research emphasizes the need for mental health support systems, stress management programmes, and institutional interventions to improve well-being and economic efficiency.

Keywords: Stress, Burnout, Economic Cost, Productivity