A study was conducted in fall 1980 at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) to develop a greater understanding of the mental health/counseling needs of students. Specifically, the study sought to determine which stress-inducing conditions (stressors) had the greatest effect on students and the kinds of interventions and strategies that might be appropriate and effective in meeting student needs. An objective test based on the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale and an open-ended survey of students' perceptions of stressful situations in their own and friends' lives were administered to 124 students enrolled in five health classes at LAVC. Findings from the objective survey indicated that: (1) the most frequently cited stressors were financial worries, general worry, increased workload at school, chronic car trouble, and a change in living conditions; and (2) ranked in terms of degree of stress caused, the main stressors were serious argument with instructor, death of a close friend, failure in an important course, and pregnancy. Results from the open-ended survey indicated that of eight major categories, personal/social and academic factors were the main stress inducers. The study conclusions emphasize the need for timely counseling intervention to aid students in times of stress. The study report includes a discussion of stress and the survey instruments. (HB)