Introduction

Background of the Study

In todays generation, students attention is divided into various matters. With the

fast-paced culture of millennial, everyone would like to indulge themselves in everything.

Establish your territory; establish your niche, Occupy your niche.

Statement of the Problem

This paper aims to compare the effects of being single and in a romantic

relationship on the academic performance of college students at the University of St. La

Salle for academic year 2016-2017.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the percentage of college students who are involved in a romantic

relationship?
2. What are the differences in the study habits between students who are single

and in a relationship?
3. What is the effect of being single and in a relationship to the academic

performance of the students?

Significance of the Study

This research is beneficial to the following:

 College Students. The results of this study would raise awareness among college

students on the effects of being single or in a romantic relationship on their academic

performance, especially on the negative ones, if any.

Parents. Findings of this study could be beneficial to parents so that they could

guide and give proper attention to their children.

Teachers. The results will give the teachers a better understanding of their

students so that they can provide assistance to the students.

Guidance Counsellors. The outcome of the study will aid the aforementioned in

providing proper counselling to the students who may seek help regarding the problems

they face.

Community.

Future Researchers. Information from this study may be used as references for

other researchers who are interested on doing a study relating to the academic

performance of students.

Scope and Limitation

This study focuses on the effects of being single and in a relationship on the

academic performance of the students of class ______ of La Salle-Bacolod for the

second semester of academic year 2016-2017. The researchers chose to conduct a survey

to __ single and in a relationship students each.

 The status of the participants included in the survey is consistent as of the date of

the conduct of the survey that is ______ to _______ 2017. Any changes of status beyond

the date of the collection of data will not be considered by the researchers.

Definition of Terms

Academic Performance. Conceptually, it is the outcome of education, the extent

to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals. (Source)

In this study, it pertains to the GPA of a student in a given term.

In a Relationship. Conceptually, the way in which two or more

concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being

connected. In this study, it means that a romantic relationship of the

students towards the opposite sex.

Effects.

Comparative Study.

Single. Conceptually, it is an individual person or thing rather than part of a pair

or a group. In this study, it means that students that are not in a romantic relationship.

Review of Related Literature

 This section provides the reader related studies about the topic specified in the

preceding sections that the researchers considered significant to the given problem.

Factors why Students Engage in a Relationship

Students involve themselves into dating for a variety of reasons. According to

Bernales and Corona (2011), teens develop a desire to belong with others, thus giving rise

to their interest in getting into romantic relationships. They added that it is according to

the need to belong theory by which individuals have the determination to connect with

others in enduring, close relationships. Aristotle called the human beings social

animals. In his book, Myers (2010) defined the need to belong as a motivation to bond

with others in relationships that provide ongoing, positive interactions. He supplemented

that we feel a bigger sense of happiness when we are supported by close, intimate

relationships.

Due to this need, university students often involve themselves into romantic

relationships which have several effects on them. In a study conducted by psychologists

Baumeister and Leary (1995), by using a sample of 10,000 tape recordings of half-minute

cuts of students waking hours, they found out that 28% of an average students waking

hours are spent to talking to someone. That time excludes the hours spent on listening to

someone talking.

Studies on the Impact of Relationships on Academic Performance

It cannot be denied that being in a relationship does have its effects on how one

performs at school. According to Lucaz and Curpuz (2007), personal relationships such

as romantic relationships could increase a learners sense of belonging, self-respect and

self-acceptance thus providing a positive climate for learning. This is in accordance with

the theory of incentive approach of motivation which states that the desirable properties

of external stimuli be it in food, money, affection, etc. could be a persons source of

motivation.

Vgotskys theory proposes that social interaction plays a very significant role on

ones cognitive development and could not be understood without looking into the social

and cultural context. Furthermore, Vygotskys ideas about cognitive development have

become major influences in psychology and education today (Lucas & Corpuz, 2007).

Theorists suggested that romantic relationship has a great role in the academic

performance of adolescents. Parents, peers, and partners, on the other hand, cooperate,

collaborate and enrich the learning experience (Lucas & Corpuz, 2007). In this way,

adolescents who are more knowledgeable can help in the cognitive development of their

partner.

On the other hand, numerous negative effects are evident with respect to the

impact of romantic relationships on a students academic performance. Although

romantic relationships could be a source of motivation, it is also the number one source

of stress among students (Manning et al., 2009). It is due to conflicts that may occur in a

relationship as well as unexpected break-ups. This also applies to students who give more

importance to academics because engaging in a relationship can be an undeniable

distraction.

Myers (2010) also said that relationships, specifically in relation to college

students consume much of ones time. One sampling of 10,000 tape recordings of half-

minute slices of students waking hours(using belt-worn recorders) found them talking to
someone 28% of the time - and that doesnt count the time they spent to someone

(Mehl&Pennebaker, 2003). In 2008, the average American 13-17 year-old sent or

received1742 text messages per month.

Considerably, studies reviewed above provide insights on the comparison between

academic performance of students who engage in a relationship ad those who are not.

These studies may be used in making the methodology of the current study. Furthermore,

they may prove useful in attaining the goals of the study and for those concerned for

further research, not only in the field of language learning but also in other relevant areas.

Synthesis

Grade Point Averages represent students academic performance in school. With

higher GPA result, a better career opportunity is offered and a good chance of pursuing

higher studies. However, low results may result to poor job opportunities.

It has been found that high level of stress affect mental, emotional and physical

health. Stress to a high level may also have a negative impact on students learning

ability, may diminish a students sense of worth and might affect their academic

achievement (Spiridon, Evangelia, 2015). Past and recent studies show an alarming

increase in the number of failure and drop-out cases among college students. Two
opposing arguments have been presented: boredom which is brought by being alone and

by entering in a relationship.

Campbell & Oliver (1994) pointed out some costs which are found in a romantic

relationship, namely: stress and worry about the relationship, social and non-social

sacrifices, increased dependence on the partner, fights, time and effort investment, and

feeling worse about the self which were said to be the cause of anxiety of the students.

Thus, affects academic performance. However, Iso-Ahola presented an argument not

directly contrary to the above premise. It is stated that one of the reasons which affect

students academic performance in terms of their GPA is boredom. Boredom establishes a

cause and effect relationship with lack of motivation. Lack of intrinsic motivation, self

-determination and boredom establishes a vicious circle. (Iso-Ahola & Weissinger,

1987;Weissinger, Caldwell, & Bandalos, 1992)

References