Sathsarani, K.P.G.Weligamage, S.S.2025-02-072024-11-01Sathsarani, K. P. G., & Weligamage, S. S. (2024). Impact of Financial Literacy, Financial Stress, Self-Efficacy, and Coping Strategy on Help-Seeking Behavior and Academic Performance During Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to University of Kelaniya Undergraduates. 15th International Conference on Business and Information – 2024. Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/29017Sri Lankan citizens, including university students, have faced significant economic challenges, financial instability and maintaining their academic performance during the financial and economic challenges period. This study aimed to examine the impact of financial literacy, financial stress, self-efficacy, and coping strategy on help-seeking behavior and academic performance among undergraduates during an economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 324 students at the University of Kelaniya using a questionnaire consisting of both close-ended questions and 5-point Likert scale-type questions. The convenience sampling technique was used to ensure practical accessibility and was placed on the sample's representativeness, considering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, academic disciplines, and various academic levels. Financial Literacy, Financial Stress, Self-Efficacy and Coping Strategy, and Help-seeking Behavior were used as the independent variables, and help-seeking behaviour and academic performance were used as Dependent variables. Data was tested using frequency distribution, descriptive, validity and reliability checking, correlation and regression analysis through inferential statistics. All variables, including financial stress, financial self- efficacy, financial literacy, coping strategy, help-seeking behaviour, and academic performance, exhibit alpha values above 0.7, meeting the accepted threshold for reliability. Correlation analysis results reveal significant relationships between help-seeking behavior and various factors. Strong positive correlations were observed with all independent variables, and all are statistically significant at the 0.05 level. These results imply that individuals facing higher financial stress are more inclined to seek help, linked to perceived financial self-efficacy, financial literacy, and coping strategies. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of these variables in influencing help-seeking behavior during economic challenges. The study's findings also revealed that financial stress and coping strategies significantly impact students' help-seeking behavior and academic performance. The study also found that financial self-efficacy and financial literacy had a significant impact only on academic performance. This study recommended developing comprehensive financial wellness awareness programs among undergraduates and enhancing financial literacy and coping skills to manage their academic performance.Academic performanceCoping strategyFinancial literacyFinancial stressSelf-efficacyHelp-seeking behaviourArticle