The study revealed that the main sources of student stress are both academic and personal.
The
most common cause is an overwhelming amount of schoolwork, especially when multiple
deadlines overlap. This leads to poor time management, confusion on where to begin, and
increased pressure. In addition to academics, personal problems and internal expectations greatly
contribute to stress. Many students overthink, even simple problems, which worsens their
anxiety. Some feel more stressed by academic expectations from teachers and peers, while others
are more affected by the pressure they place on themselves to succeed. In overall, students
experience stress due to heavy academic workload and tight deadlines, poor time management,
overthinking and pressure from both school and self, and personal goals and fear of not meeting
them.While staying busy helps distract from overthinking, stress remains due to the constant
need to meet expectations—both external and internal. For many, personal expectations can be
even more stressful than academic ones.
Participants described various emotional coping mechanisms they use when feeling
overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted. A common approach is expressing emotions through
crying. Many shared that crying provides emotional relief and helps lighten their burden,
especially when they feel like they have no one to talk to. It allows them to release heavy
feelings and regain a sense of calm. Spending time alone was also frequently mentioned. When
overwhelmed, participants often seek quiet or peaceful spaces where they can reflect, process
their emotions, and breathe. Solitude—whether through walking, lying down, or simply staying
in their room—serves as a moment for self-regulation and mental rest. Others distract themselves
through activities they enjoy, such as watching Netflix, playing mobile games, or sleeping. These
activities help take their minds off stressful thoughts, and in some cases, allow them to reset and
return to tasks with better focus and clearer priorities. Some also noted that being overwhelmed
leads to overthinking and emotional breakdowns, which they try to manage by acknowledging
their emotions instead of suppressing them. Accepting what they feel and letting it out, especially
through crying or resting, plays a key role in their emotional recovery. Overall, emotional
release, solitude, and simple comforting routines were the primary ways participants manage
stress and emotional fatigue.
a.The research examined that many students cope with stress through physical activities such as
walking, biking, dancing, or playing sports, which help them clear their minds and feel
emotionally lighter. These activities are often done alone or with others and are effective in
reducing stress. Some prefer to relax by sleeping or resting, although this doesn’t always help
them feel better. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, proper sleep, and balanced
eating habits was identified as beneficial for stress relief. However, stress can also disrupt these
routines, leading to irregular sleep, stress eating, or appetite loss. Despite these challenges,
students acknowledge that physical wellness plays an important role in managing stress and
improving their overall well-being.
b. Students place high value on staying calm and composed in stressful situations. They often
practice emotional regulation to avoid negatively affecting themselves or others. Many shared
that they prefer to isolate themselves when overwhelmed, using solitude as a way to manage
emotions and recharge. Student leaders, in particular, feel a responsibility to maintain a positive
image, even when they are struggling internally. By smiling, staying productive, and handling
tasks one at a time, they manage to uphold a sense of control. Emotional strength and self-
awareness help them navigate high-pressure situations like overlapping deadlines, group
imbalances, or personal issues, allowing them to continue performing despite the stress.
c. A key coping mechanism among students is opening up to trusted individuals such as friends,
family, or even spiritual figures. Expressing emotions through conversation provides relief,
comfort, and support. Some prefer to confide only in specific people they trust, while others
hesitate to open up due to fear of being judged or misunderstood. When they cannot share with
others, they resort to crying, self-reflection, or spiritual connection to release their emotions.
While not all students find it easy to express what they feel—especially during intense stress—
most understand that releasing emotions, whether through talking or quiet reflection, is important
for their emotional well-being.
d. Students manage their academic workload by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and
difficulty. They often start with the tasks that have the nearest deadlines to avoid cramming,
followed by easier or more manageable activities. Many students prefer focusing on one task at a
time rather than multitasking, as it helps them stay productive and less overwhelmed. Some
create schedules or task lists to stay organized, while others rely on flexible planning or peer
reminders. For group work, they prioritize individual tasks first before coordinating with others.
Although some struggle to stick to schedules due to shifting deadlines, organizing tasks—even
informally—helps reduce stress and supports effective time management.
