Title: Academic Stress and Coping Strategies of Students in the Context of the New Learning Modality
Authors: Jeffrey D. Abrogar Jenny Pearl A. Mendizabal Winly L. Pal Justine Carriel S. Ceniza Joseph C. Pasco, Joseph C. Pasco
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Pages: 36-41
Publication Date: 2026/04/28
Abstract:
The abrupt shift to new learning modalities brought by the COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for students, particularly in terms of academic stress and the coping strategies they employed to adapt. This study aimed to examine the level of perceived academic stress among senior high school students and determine its relationship with their coping strategies. A total of 263 students participated in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to measure the levels of academic stress across four dimensions, academic self-perceptions, pressure to perform, perceptions of workload, and time restraints, and to assess coping strategies classified as rational, detached, emotional, and avoidance. Pearson product-moment correlation was employed to identify the relationships between academic stress and coping strategies. Findings revealed that students had high academic self-perceptions, but only moderate levels of stress related to workload, time restraints, and pressure to perform. In coping, they relied more on rational, detached, and avoidance strategies, while emotional coping was less evident. Significant positive correlations were observed between stress dimensions and specific coping strategies, with rational and detached coping emerging as the most adaptive mechanisms. It is concluded that students generally maintain positive self-perceptions and use adaptive strategies to manage academic demands under the new learning environment. Strengthening rational and detached coping may further enhance resilience, while addressing time management challenges could reduce stress levels. Schools are encouraged to design support programs that promote effective coping skills and provide flexible academic guidance to help students sustain their well-being and academic performance.