Final
Final
Academic track
Navigating Academic Stress: A Study on the Experience of High School Students in Humanities
Submitted by:
Rocky Guanzon
Rajelyn Tienes
Submitted to:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
Rationale……………………………………………………………1
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Related Literature…………………….………………..………….7
Related studies…..…………………………………..……………8
3 METHODOLOGY
Research Design.………………………….………….…………10
Research Environment.……………….……….….….…………10
Research Respondents....………..…….………….….…..……11
Research Instruments...…….…….…….…….……….………..11
Ethical Considerations…………………………….…………….13
REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………..19
CURRICULUM VITAE………………………………………………………….31
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CHAPTER 1
Rationale
which influences the learning and mental well-being of future professionals, particularly
performance, time-related, and social stressors that can impact students' mental
well-being and overall academic performance (Fasoro et al., 2019). Academic stress is
the common form of stress experienced by students, often occurring with the
symptoms that can affect young people's quality of life (Berdida & Grande, 2022).
settings due to the demands and expectations of academic work, including exams,
assignments, and the need to meet high academic standards (Quincho et al.,
2021). This type of stress can have significant impacts on students' mental well-being
The recognition of how academic stress can manifest in various forms, such as
group project, schoolwork and many more this underscores the need to delve deeper
into its impact on students' well-being (Barbayannis & Bandari & Zheng & Baquerizo &
factor affecting students' mental health and overall performance (Haikalis & Doucette &
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Meisel & Birch & Barnet, 2022). Research has consistently shown that academic stress
states and self-harm (Soares & Woods, 2020). These findings highlight the detrimental
(Espinosa & Hernández & Rodriguez & Maricarmen & Bermúdez, 2020). Therefore,
detrimental effects on their overall well-being (Pascoe & Hetrick & Parker, 2020). This
motivation prompted the researcher to delve into the academic stress experienced by
Senior High School (SHS) students, aiming to understand their experiences and how
students manage it. Additionally the motivation that delves into the academic stress
experienced by Senior High School (SHS) students has led to an investigation into the
understand their experiences and how students manage it, seeking to promote more
support and contribute to addressing the limited attention given to normalizing stress
well-being and academic performance (Zhang et al., 2021). Factors such as high
workload, time pressure, and the need to meet high academic standards contribute to
the experience of academic stress (Chyu & Chen, 2022). The rising costs of education
and limited access to necessary resources further exacerbate academic stress among
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students (Travis et al., 2020). Academic stress has been found to have detrimental
effects on students' mental health, including increased levels of anxiety and depression
(Wang et al., 2021). This research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the causes
academic stress.
This highlights the negative impact and struggles that students face (Li and Lin, 2021).
By understanding the experiences, this research helps to gain insight into the effects of
better understanding of students' academic stress (Rodriguez, 2020), which can help in
developing a more effective support system and better understanding for the students
2021).
experiencing academic stress. This study of academic stress has been addressed
especially to those students who experience academic stress (Chen, 2022). High levels
disrupt sleep, lower confidence and motivation (Hetrick, 2020). Additionally, recent study
showed that academic stress can have harmful consequences on the students
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performance, and self-esteem (Espinosa & Herman's & Rodriguez, 2020). Academic
stress can manifest in the form of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion, which
concerning academic stress and the impact it exerts on students. ( Locion & Sison &
Suarez & De Jesus, & Pelande & Uy, 2022). While studies on the incidence and effects
of academic stress are available, a thorough examination of the particular elements that
lead to academic stress on students ( Chyu & Chen, 2022). Moreover, the factors
causing stress in students due to examinations and academic responsibilities have not
needed to examine the daily challenges students face Such as homework, group,
project and test, and how this contributes to academic stress. ((Desamparadoa &
Mendozab & Minguitoc & Monevad, 2020). By bridging these gaps, researchers can
acquire a more profound insight into academic stress, devise successful coping
mechanisms for students, and foster a more supportive and conducive educational
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Statement of the problem
This study investigates the Senior High School (SHS) Humanities and Social Sciences
challenges of academic stress that students face, and the impact of academic stress on
students.
1. How do students cope with stress during Academic Tasks like homework, group
projects, or tests?
2. What everyday challenges do students face with homework and group projects that
lead to stress?
The outcomes of this study on academic stress in Grade 11 and Grade 12 Senior
High School (SHS) students are important because this period is crucial for students as
they prepare for higher education or the workforce. Academic stress during this time
can have significant impacts on students' mental health, academic performance, and
future prospects.
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This study will identify the causes, manifestations, and effects of academic stress,
offering insights effective coping mechanisms and support systems tailored to this
demographic.
Lastly, curriculum Developers, parents and classroom teachers will benefit by being
informed about their children's stressors, enabling them to provide appropriate support,
knowledge can inform the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting
This study focuses on the students who experience academic stress of grade 11 &
12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students in one of the public schools in
Cebu City, Who are enrolled in School Year (S. Y) 2023-2024 This Qualitative study will
academic stress.
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This study will not cover other problems that are not connected to the academic
results of this study will be applicable only to the respondents of this study and will not
be used to measure the effects on the academic performance of students who do not
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CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Related Theories
The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, proposed by Lazarus and Folkman (2020),
delineating the interaction between stressors, cognitive appraisals, coping mechanisms, and the
influence on student well-being. Smith (2019) further emphasizes the relevance of this model in
academia, suggesting that factors such as workload, peer pressure, and academic expectations
contribute to students' stress levels within this framework. Kim (2021) adds to this perspective,
highlighting how individual differences in coping mechanisms and stress appraisals further
The Cognitive Appraisal Theory, building upon the foundational work of Lazarus, presents a
comprehensive framework that emphasizes the critical role of individuals cognitive evaluations
in understanding the impact of stressors (Bayram, 2019). Jones (2020) extends this
perspective, highlighting the role of students' beliefs about the ability to cope with academic
challenges in shaping the students' stress responses. Additionally, Chen (2022) explores
cultural variations in cognitive appraisals of academic stress, providing insights into how cultural
The Social Support Theory, as introduced by Cohen and Wills (2020), underscores the
significance of social relationships in mitigating stress. Applying this to academic stress, Wang
(2022) suggests that nurturing strong social support systems can enhance students' resilience
and coping abilities, ultimately promoting the students academic success and overall well-being.
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Furthermore, this examines the role of online social support networks in moderating academic
RELATED LITERATURE
ACADEMIC STRESS
Sinha & Sinha (2019) define academic stress as the pressure and anxiety
students experience due to academic demands, such as exams, assignments,
and expectations from teachers and parents. In today's competitive
educational environment, as noted by Shaikh et al. (2019), students often face
intense pressure to excel academically, leading to heightened stress levels.
Pascoe et al. (2020) emphasize that this stress can manifest in various ways,
including physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia, as well as
emotional struggles such as feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure.
Moreover, Green et al. (2021) suggest that effective coping strategies, support
systems, and a balanced approach to academics can help mitigate the
negative effects of academic stress on students' well-being. These findings
are further supported by Kumar & Dixit (2020), who underscore the
importance of holistic approaches in managing academic stress.
ACADEMIC PRESSURE
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standards (Jones & Lee, 2022). This pressure can manifest in various forms,
including heavy workloads, rigorous coursework, standardized testing, and the
pursuit of extracurricular activities to bolster resumes (Brown, 2023).
Moreover, the fear of failure or disappointing others can intensify this
pressure, leading to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression
among students (Garcia et al., 2024). Patel and Wang (2024) emphasize the
importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academic pursuits and
personal well-being to mitigate the adverse effects of academic pressure.
STRESS
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RELATED STUDIES
The study conducted by Jayben P. Locion et al. (2022) delves into how high school students
are navigating academic stress. Employing qualitative research methods, the authors pinpoint
address stigma. These insights underscore the importance of holistic support systems in
The research of Jayben P. Locion et al. (2022) investigates how high school students
grapple with academic stress. Employing qualitative methods, the authors identify student
challenges and propose solutions. Recommendations entail enhancing time management skills,
fostering transparent communication from teachers, ensuring regular mental health monitoring
by parents, cultivating supportive school environments for mental health, and organizing
community programs to combat stigma. These findings resonate with prior research on student
The study of Jhoselle Tus (2020) explores the interplay between academic stress,
motivation, and academic performance among senior high school students. Using a quantitative
research approach, specifically a descriptive correlational approach, the study investigates how
stress and motivation impact students' academic achievements. Despite the common belief that
stress and motivation significantly influence academic performance, the findings suggest
otherwise.The study reveals that stress and motivation levels did not significantly affect
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students' academic performance. Interestingly, the respondents exhibited average stress levels,
Additionally, the students demonstrated above-average motivation levels, suggesting a drive for
self-fulfillment and personal growth. These results challenge the conventional understanding of
stress and motivation's role in academic performance and shed light on the resilience and
The study of Camille Gay A. Desamparado, et al., (2019) aims to evaluate and understand
the stress levels experienced by senior high school students during their participation in
practical research. Employing a quantitative research design, the study investigates the factors
contributing to these stress levels, specifically focusing on gender, academic strand, and
economic status of students. The results indicate significant associations between stress levels
and gender, as well as between stress levels and students' academic content and attitude.
However, no significant associations were found between stress levels and gender in terms of
skills and attitude, or between stress levels and academic strand. Furthermore, while stress
levels were significantly associated with students' economic status in terms of academic content
and attitude, no significant association was observed with skills. These findings provide valuable
insights into the stressors experienced by senior high school students during practical research
activities and highlight the need for targeted support and interventions.
The study by Armielyn Bernabe Advincula et al., (2023) investigates the correlation between
academic stress, motivation, and academic performance among senior high school students.
Utilizing a quantitative research approach, specifically correlational research, the study explores
how academic stress and motivation influence students' academic achievements. The results
performance. Based on these findings, the study formulates several conclusions and
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recommendations to address the identified correlations. These insights provide valuable
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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
approach. Data collection will involve conducting face-to-face interviews with students to
delve into perceptions, emotions, and underlying factors influencing academic stress.
Through the application of phenomenology, the research aims to elucidate the core
essence of experiences with academic stress, with the ultimate goal of informing
Research Environment
This study will be conducted at a public school in Cebu City that offers the Science,
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) tracks. The focus is on examining academic
stress among students enrolled in the HUMSS track in Grades 11 and 12. This school,
catering to students from Grade 7 to 12, provides an ideal research environment with a
diverse student body and a strong emphasis on academic achievement. The study will
involve face-to-face interactions with the participants, allowing for direct access and
personal engagement. This approach will foster trust and rapport, facilitating a deeper
understanding of the experiences of academic stress among Senior High School (SHS)
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students. Additionally, the class setup at this school predominantly consists of
synchronous classes, where students attend live sessions and actively participate in
Research Respondents
The research respondents for this study will be Senior High School (SHS) students
enrolled in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) track at one of the public
schools in Cebu City. The target respondents for this study will consist of 10 Grade 11
participation from both grade levels, there will be an equal distribution of 5 boys and 5
girls for each grade level. The participants involved in the study will be aged 16 and
above. By specifically focusing on the HUMSS track, the study aims to gain a
particular track. Including students from both grade 11 and 12, as well as considering
different genders and age ranges, will provide valuable insights into the unique
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
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they prefer, ensuring they can convey their experiences of academic stress without
ambiguity.
The research process starts with a formal request forwarded to the school principal,
Senior High School (SHS) students. The request highlights the potential benefits to the
tailored for students aged 16-18 years, are then sent out to parents or legal guardians,
requesting permission for their children's participation. These consent forms are crafted
in a language familiar to the community, possibly the regional dialect, to ensure clarity
regarding the study's purpose and the potential advantages for the students.
All collected data are stored securely, with access limited to the research team, to
employing robust methodologies to extract meaningful insights into the academic stress
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Research ethical considerations
Confidentiality
All information gathered from students regarding their experiences with academic
stress will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The identities of the participants will
be kept anonymous, and any data collected will be used solely for the purpose of
research and academic study. No personal information will be disclosed to any third
party without explicit consent from the participants. The data collected will be stored
Participants can rest assured that their privacy and confidentiality are of paramount
The researchers are committed to presenting the findings accurately and truthfully,
interaction with participants, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected
throughout the research process. The research team pledges to uphold the values of
honesty and integrity to maintain the credibility and ethical standards of this study.
Carefulness
Conducting about the experience of students in academic stress. Every step of the
research process, from data collection to analysis and interpretation, will be approached
with meticulous attention to detail and precision. The researchers will exercise caution
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and thoroughness in handling all aspects of the study to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the findings. Careful consideration will be given to the ethical implications of
the research, and measures will be taken to safeguard the well-being and confidentiality
of the participants. By prioritizing carefulness, the research aims to uphold the highest
academic stress is of utmost importance. All participants involved in the research will be
treated with respect, dignity, and ethical consideration. The researchers are committed
to ensuring the safety, confidentiality, and well-being of all individuals who partake in the
anonymity, and uphold the principles of informed consent throughout the research
process. Adherence to institutional review board (IRB) guidelines and ethical standards
will be strictly followed to safeguard the rights and welfare of human subjects. The
research team is dedicated to upholding the highest level of human subject protection to
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Curriculum Vitae
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Age: 17
Sex: male
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Senior High
2023 - 2024
ELIGIBILITY
33
Personal data
Age: 17
Sex: male
Educational qualifications
Senior High
2023 - 2024
Eligibility
34
Personal data
Age: 17
Sex: Female
Educational qualifications
Senior High
2023 - 2024
Eligibility
35
Personal data
Age: 16
Sex: Female
Educational qualifications
Senior High
2023 - 2024
Eligibility
36
Personal data
Age: 16
Sex:Female
Educational qualifications
Senior High
2023 - 2024
Eligibility
37
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