Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION (V) BICOL
Schools Division of Legazpi City
Legazpi District X
Legazpi City National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
__________________________________________________________________

VIEWS ON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS AMONG

GENERAL ACADEMIC STRAND STUDENTS AT LEGAZPI CITY NATIONAL HIGH
SCHOOL BY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF LEGAZPI CITY NATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOL

A Practical Research
Presented to the Faculty of
LEGAZPI CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Rawis, Legazpi City

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Senior High School Program

Randy E. Apuyan Nicole Ann B. Baronia

Shane N. Azupardo Ma. Aleah A. Barona
Renato A. Balgemino Jedrick B. Esquivel
Trixie E. Balderama Nikka M. Lodronio
Samuel A. Balucio Glaiza A. Navarro
Justin C. Banez Jeanne Marie A. Paragas

2024

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Introduction

In today's complicated world, more and more people are struggling with their

mental health. This research goes deep into understanding why more people are

struggling with mental health, looking at things like how society and personal stories

play a role to be very precise, the focus is on identifying the most important actions that

can genuinely aid. The goal is not just to talk about it but to make a real difference.

We're looking at the big picture and the little details to help everyone be healthier and

happier. It's not just about numbers; it wants to give practical ideas that can make

society better. This research is like a big call to everyone to come together and do

something about mental health. We want to support people in being strong,

understanding each other, and being kind, especially when it comes to mental health

problems. It's like saying, "Let's work together to make the world a better place for

everyone's mental health."

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

It affects how people think, feel, and act. It also determines how individuals handle

stress, make choices, and relate to others. Having good mental health is important at

every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. In terms of

background, mental health has been a topic of study and discussion for many years.

The understanding of mental health has evolved over time, and society's perception of

mental health has also changed. In the past, mental health was often stigmatized and

misunderstood, but now there is a greater recognition of the importance of mental well-

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being. Several factors can affect mental health. These include biological factors such as

genetics and brain chemistry, life experiences such as trauma or abuse, and family

history of mental health problems. Additionally, individual habits and lifestyle choices,

such as substance abuse, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise, can also impact mental

health.The study by Adajar (2023) delves into the relationship between mental health

and emotional intelligence among senior high school students. Findings indicate no

straightforward correlation, emphasizing the need for further exploration due to the

complexity of this association. Another crucial factor contributing to mental health

concerns is academic stress, with studies indicating a strong link between high

academic demands and increased levels of anxiety and depression among students

Limone (2022). Academic pressure significantly impacts adolescents, influencing their

physical and mental health, family relationships, and overall happiness ([Jiang et al.,

2022] The stress induced by academic pressure is a critical factor affecting students,

and its consequences extend beyond academics, encompassing various aspects of

their lives. Additionally, family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping students'

responses to academic stress. Research indicates that stress and depression, often

stemming from family-related issues, substantially impact students' academic

performances ([Deng et al., 2022).Stress-related factors, such as academic pressure,

financial pressure, family pressure, and side-activity pressure, collectively contribute to

students' mental well-being (Slimmen et al., 2022). This holistic perspective

acknowledges the interconnectedness of various stressors and their combined effect on

mental health. Moreover, negative peer pressure is identified as a school-based risk

factor that can influence behaviors detrimental to mental well-being, including bullying,

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substance abuse, and negative body image (Mentally Healthy Schools).While

environmental factors are recognized as core contributors to students' stress levels,

academic, financial, family, social, and intrapersonal factors also play roles in

influencing mental health (Kandasamy et al., 2020). This comprehensive understanding

underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address the complex interplay of

factors affecting students' mental health.

Personal factors, including an individual's coping mechanisms, resilience, and

ability to manage stress, contribute significantly to mental health outcomes. These

personal attributes play a role in how students navigate the challenges posed by

academic pressure, transitions, and social dynamics (Jiang et al., 2022).

According to the study of Rao et al. (2021) entitled COVID 19 pandemic and

adolescent mental health in China: Micro evidence and socio-economic mechanism.

Delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior high school students in

China. The research discusses the emergence of mental health problems and

suicidality, emphasizing the need for understanding the unique challenges posed by

global crises. The study by Rao et al. (2021) indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic had

a significant negative impact on senior high school students in China. The results show

a notable increase in overall psychological problems among adolescents, with a

statistically significant rise in scores across various mental health subscales, including

Emotional symptoms, Conduct problems, Inattention, Peer relationship problems, and

Prosocial problems. This suggests a comprehensive and widespread negative effect on

adolescent mental health during the pandemic.

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 Another significant investigation by AlAzzam et al. (2021) entitled, Predictors of

Depression and Anxiety Among Senior High School Students in Jordan. This

quantitative study identifies prevalent factors, lack of coping skills, online educational

stress, Academic pressure, Impact of online education. influencing mental health,

providing valuable insights into the contextual variations that may contribute to these

concerns. The results of this study are in line with findings from other studies showing

that high school students, in general, are suffering psychological and mental health

disturbances (Alharbi et al., 2019; Brooks et al., 2020), and at higher risk for serious

mental health problems if not addressed appropriately (Alfoukha et al., 2019, Alharbi et

al., 2019, Cao et al., 2020).

Schools play a pivotal role in shaping the mental health of adolescents, as

asserted by Sutherland (2018). With students served by educational institutions, the

study underscores the importance of understanding how the school environment

impacts the mental well-being of senior high school students.

Alharbi et al. (2019) provide valuable quantitative data on depression and anxiety

prevalence among high school students. Utilizing the PHQ-9 method, the study reveals

varying levels of depression, offering nuanced insights into the mental health landscape

among senior high school students. According to a study conducted by the Department

of Education in Qassim Region, high school students are experiencing increased levels

of depression and anxiety. Community-based studies revealed an overall prevalence

rate for mental disorders around in several national and cultural contexts an earlier

study on Saudi secondary school boys indicated that had depression, while experienced

anxiety and suffered from stress. To raise the awareness of the mental health in their

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community as the prevalence of mental disorder has significantly increased over time.

Health services should make health education for students on how they deal with stress

and depression through exercise and good sleep. This study shows that depression by

using (PHQ-9) among the students, not depressed, mildly depressed, moderately

depressed, whereas moderately severe depressed and severely depressed. Anxiety by

using the GAD-7 questionnaire, it was revealed that out of 1245 students, without

anxiety, mild anxiety, moderate anxiety, and severe anxiety. Depression and anxiety,

according to gender (P value <0.001), show a significant relationship.

Mofatteh et al. (2021), entitled, Risk factors associated with stress, anxiety, and

depression among university undergraduate students. identify six themes of risk factors

associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. These encompass psychological,

academic, biological, lifestyle, social, and financial factors. The study's quantitative

approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the diverse elements

contributing to mental health concerns among senior high school students. The study by

Mofatteh et al. (2021) identifies various risk factors associated with stress, anxiety, and

depression (SAD) among university undergraduate students. Some findings include

social stigma and gender influencing mental health in Canadian students, lack of social

support and unfamiliarity with subjects contributing to stress in Swiss students, and

international students in the UK facing stress due to insufficient financial support, social

isolation, and academic pressure.

Lee et al. (2023) focus on mental health awareness among secondary school

students. The study indicates that awareness is influenced by knowledge of mental

health and attitudes towards it. This insight into the cognitive and attitudinal aspects of

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mental health contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by senior

high school students. All these studies collectively highlight the intricate interplay of

global events, school environments, individual factors, and awareness in shaping the

mental health landscape of senior high school students. The results indicated that

mental health awareness was influenced by knowledge on mental health and attitude

towards mental health. The findings also revealed that familiarity and media exposure

were important determinants of knowledge on mental health, knowledge on professional

help, and attitude towards mental health. Moreover, the results indicated that knowledge

on mental health positively mediated the relationship between media exposure and

mental health awareness. Besides, attitude towards mental health also found to play

mediating roles between familiarity and mental health awareness, as well as between

media exposure and mental health awareness.

To give an information for the research, both local and international studies have

looked at factors contributing to mental health.Instead of focusing on general advice, it

looks specifically at the things that affect students' mental health and wellbeing.The

researchers want to understand what factors contributing to mental health the General

Academic Strand (GAS) at Legazpi City National High School (LCNHS).

The study primarily conducted a quantitative analysis, laying the foundation for

subsequent research. The focus is on validating and deepening our understanding of

the factors influencing the mental well-being of Legazpi City National High School

students. The objective is to unravel the complex web of influences on their mental

health. Identifying these factors is crucial, as it provides insights to develop more

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effective solutions. The research aims to address the unique challenges faced by these

students and contribute to targeted strategies for better mental health outcomes. This

comprehensive approach seeks to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of

Legazpi City National High School students.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to mental health

concerns among General Academic Strand (GAS) Students of Legazpi City National

High School (LCNHS). Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of GAS students of Legazpi City National

High School in terms of:

a. Name(optional)

b. Age

c. Gender

2. What are the factors contributing to the level of mental health concerns

among General Academic Strand students of Legazpi City National High

School in terms of:

a. Academic Pressure

b. Family Issues

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 c. Peer pressure

d. Personal Factor

3. What suggestions can respondents provide inorder to improve factors

contributing to mental health concerns of GAS students?

4. What framework can researchers provide inorder to improve factors

contributing to mental health concerns among GAS students of Legazpi City

National High School?

Theoretical framework

The study is anchored from the theoretical support of the Biopsychosocial model

by George Engel (1977)- suggesting that to understand a person’s medical condition it

is not simply the biological factors to consider, but also the psychological and social

factors.

Biological factors include genetic predispositions, brain chemistry imbalances,

and physical health issues that can contribute to mental health concerns. Psychological

factors involve cognitive processes, personality traits, and coping mechanisms that can

impact mental well-being. Lastly, social factors encompass the influence of one’s social

environment, such as family, relationships, socioeconomic status, and cultural factors

that can play a role in mental health.

Multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the

interconnectedness between these various factors. This model emphasizes the need for

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a holistic approach to mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, addressing

all three dimensions to promote overall well-being.

These Theories suggests that academic pressure is influenced by multiple factors. It

recognizes that biological factors (e.g., individual differences in stress response),

psychological factors (e.g., self-esteem), and social factors (e.g., school environment)

can all contribute to the experience of academic pressure. Also, it highlights that peer

pressure can impact an individual's behavior, emotions, and social relationships. It

considers how biological predispositions (e.g., susceptibility to social influence),

psychological factors (e.g., the need for acceptance or fear of rejection), and social

dynamics (e.g., social support) can influence the experience of peer pressure.

Moreover, these theories acknowledges that family issues can have a significant impact

on an individual's well-being. It considers the interactions between family dynamics,

individual factors, and external factors that shape the experience of family issues. In

addition, it emphasizes that personal factors play a significant role in an individual's

well-being. It considers how biological factors (e.g., physical health), psychological

factors (e.g., personality traits or cognitive processes), and social factors (e.g., social

support or cultural context) can influence an individual's experiences and behaviors. In

summary, it provides frameworks for understanding the connections between academic

pressure, peer pressure, family issues, and personal factors. They highlight the

interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping these

variables and emphasize the importance of considering multiple factors when studying

their impact on individuals' well-being.

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References

Physiopedia. (n.d.). Biopsychosocial Model. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Biopsychosocial_Model#:~:text=special%20interest
%20%E2%80%A2-,Introduction,the%20psychological%20and%20social%20factors.

AlAzzam M, Abuhammad S, Abdalrahim A, Hamdan-Mansour AM. Predictors of

Depression and Anxiety Among Senior High School Students During COVID-19

Pandemic: The Context of Home Quarantine and Online Education. J Sch Nurs.

2021 Aug;37(4):241-248. doi: 10.1177/1059840520988548. Epub 2021 Feb 10.

PMID: 33563066.

Alharbi R, Alsuhaibani K, Almarshad A, Alyahya A. Depression, and anxiety among high

school student at Qassim Region. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019 Feb;8(2):504-510.

doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_383_18. PMID: 30984663; PMCID: PMC6436297.

Mofatteh M. Risk factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among

university undergraduate students. AIMS Public Health. 2020 Dec 25;8(1):36-65. doi:

10.3934/publichealth.2021004. PMID: 33575406; PMCID: PMC7870388.

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Yco, Jasmin & Gonzaga, April & Cervantes, Jessa & Goc-Ong, Gian & Padios,

Haamiah & Tus, Jhoselle. (2023). Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health of Senior

High School Students: A Correlational Study. 11. 629-633. 10.5281/zenodo.8210117.

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