Navigating academic pressure can be a unique experience for every student. While some may view achieving academic excellence as an attainable goal, others may feel overwhelmed and unsure of their ability to handle the rigorous workload and expectations placed upon them. According to Ribeiro et al. (2017), a comprehensive analysis of 13 studies revealed that among individuals pursuing higher education, self-reported stress levels are linked to diminished quality of life and well-being. According to Kessler (1997) and Moylan et al. (2013), ongoing stress is also associated with the development of more serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.Understanding individual perspectives and approaches to academic pressure is crucial for providing appropriate support to help students achieve academic success."
THEORETICAL LENS
Need achievement and self-worth motivation theory
This study is seen through the proposition of several researchers, including McClelland et al. (1965), who developed the Need Achievement and Self-Worth Motivation Theory. This theory posits that students' motivation to avoid failure and approach success can determine their academic behavior and achievement. Specifically, Failure-avoidant students display anxiety (Alpert & Haber, 1960) and are motivated by a fear of failure, living in self-doubt and uncertainty about their ability to avoid failure or achieve success (Covington & Omelich, 1991).
To gain a better understanding of the subjective experiences of academic pressure among senior high school students, the Need Achievement and Self-Worth Motivation Theory can be applied. By exploring how students' motivation and self-worth impact their responses to academic pressure, this theory can provide valuable insights. Specifically, it can reveal how students' attitudes towards success and failure influence their academic behavior and achievement. Accordingly, researchers can identify effective coping strategies and interventions that support students in managing academic pressure and achieving their goals. Leveraging the insights gained from this theory, educators and researchers can develop targeted strategies to help students navigate academic pressure. By doing so, they can promote student success and well-being.
Self-efficacy and expectancy x value theory
This study is seen through the proposition of Bandura (1997), who pointed out that the significant impact of a student's level of self-efficacy on their academic performance and behavior in the classroom. Specifically, students who are high in self-efficacy tend to generate and test alternative courses of action, display elevated levels of effort and persistence, and deal more effectively with problem situations by influencing cognitive and emotional processes. In contrast, According to Bandura (1997), students with low self-efficacy often dwell on their deficiencies and perceive situations as more difficult than they truly are.
It is necessary to understand how a student's academic performance is impacted by self-efficacy. As an example, a math student who has strong self-efficacy would typically perform better than one who has low self-efficacy. This information can be used to identify the amount of self-efficacy required for academic success.
Attribution theory and control
Moreover, the study considers the tenets of Attribution theory as proposed by Weiner (1994), who pointed out that the attributions a student makes in the classroom can influence their performance and affect (Weiner, 1994).. Additionally, MMartin et al. (2001b) examined the role of control in influencing how students react to setbacks, pressure, or the fear of failure. According to Connell (1985), Harter and Connell (1984), and Patrick, Skinner, and Connell (1993), students who perceive limited control over outcomes may develop uncertainty about their ability to avoid failure or achieve success. Conversely, a higher level of control is associated with students' persistence, attention, effort, participation, mastery motivation, and achievement.
This theory can provide us a better grasp of how students handle pressure from their academics. We can find solutions to lessen the factors that contribute to students' academic pressure by determining how students perceive their influence over academic achievements. Additionally, we can also identify strategies that let the students control their academic success such as goal-setting and self evaluation.
Self-efficacy and expectancy x value theory
This study is seen through the proposition of Bandura (1997), who pointed out how self efficacy of a student impacts their academic performance and behavior in the classroom. Specifically, students who have high self-efficacy tend to deal with academic pressure by showing heightened levels of effort and persistence. In contrast, students low in self-efficacy tend to dwell on their deficiencies and view situations as more difficult than they actually are (Bandura, 1997).
It is necessary to understand how a student's academic performance is impacted by self-efficacy. As an example, a math student who has strong self-efficacy would typically perform better than one who has low self-efficacy. This information can be used to identify the amount of self-efficacy required for academic success.
URGENCY OF THE STUDY
The studies conducted on academic stress and its impact on the well-being and academic performance of senior high school students have brought attention to the urgent need to address this issue. With multiple studies from different countries highlighting the negative effects of academic pressure on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being, it is crucial to take immediate action to provide support and guidance for students. The study conducted in UM Tagum College further emphasizes the urgency of the issue by revealing the low level of academic performance among management students and the need for improvement. The academic success of students plays a critical role in their contribution to the growth of their country, making it essential to prioritize this issue and implement effective strategies to help students manage academic stress and improve their well-being and academic performance.
SOCIAL RELEVANCE
As seen through the Global, National and Local scopes, it highlights the negative impact of stress on academic achievement and mental health. Additionally, the long term effects of academic pressure will affect not just the student, but for society as a whole. This research can help raise awareness and promote the right actions towards improving the educational environment, and securing future success of the Senior Highschool students.
GLOBAL
GLOBAL
Academic stress has been found to be a significant predictor of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, among senior high school students in different countries. Guo et al. (2020) discovered a connection between academic pressure, poorer academic performance, and decreased well-being among senior high school students in China. Similarly, Khan et al. (2019) found academic pressure to be a significant source of stress and anxiety for senior high school students in Pakistan, where high expectations from parents and teachers and the stress of performing well in school were reported as key factors. Sahu et al. (2020) investigated the link between academic stress and mental health issues among senior high school students in India and found that higher levels of academic stress were associated with higher levels of physical symptoms such as anxiety, despair, and pain. The study emphasizes the significance of addressing academic pressure and promoting mental health support for senior high school students in India, with the aim of enhancing overall well-being and academic success
This study on academic pressure among senior high school students is socially relevant as it highlights the negative impact of stress on academic achievement and mental health. It emphasizes the need to manage academic pressure globally, nationally, and locally, taking into account the various stress-related factors that affect students' academic experiences. The study also underscores the urgency of addressing the research gap in this field to develop effective strategies that promote the academic and mental wellbeing of senior high school students. Overall, this research can help raise awareness and promote action towards improving the educational environment and ensuring the success and well-being of young learners.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The Subjective Experiences of Academic
Pressure among Senior High School Students;
A Phenomenology
Rea Mae Dolorito
Aron Carl Erfe
Daniel Jade Estacion
Adam Shane Galan
Understanding the impact of self-efficacy on a student's academic performance is crucial. For instance, a math student with high self-efficacy is likely to perform better than one with low self-efficacy
Chapter 3 covers the methodology of the study which covers the research design, involved participants and as well as the role of the researcher. This chapter also includes data gathering and analysis. Along with its ethical consideration, the study's credibility and trustworthiness are evaluated.