PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE STRUGGLES OF FIRST- YEAR

COLLEGE STUDENTS ON THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Pamela Peony V. Ototan

Stephanie D. Suico

Georin P. Torion

Nova T. Castrojo

University of Mindanao, Bachelor of Physical Education Dr. Maico Demi B.

Aperocho, Ph. D.

December 2023
Introduction

Mental health issues in college students have consistently increased over time

(Eisenberg, Gollust, Golberstein ,& Hefner, 2007; Gallagher 2014) and these challenges and

stressors pose a major problem for many college students with both their health (Allison et al.,

2009; Cranford, Eisenberg & Serras, 2009; Schry & White, 2013; VanKim &Nelson, 2013)

and academic experience affected negatively. The transition from high school to college is a

significant milestone in a student's life, but it can also be a challenging one. This period of

transition is characterized by numerous changes, including academic, social, and personal

adjustments. Students may face academic challenges, such as increased coursework and higher

academic expectations. They may also experience social challenges, such as making new

friends, adjusting to a new social environment, and navigating new social norms. Additionally,

students may face personal challenges, such as financial stress, family expectations, and

adjusting to a new living situation. These challenges can contribute to mental health issues,

such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

First-year college students are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. They

may experience a heightened sense of anxiety and uncertainty as they navigate this new phase

of their lives. They may also feel overwhelmed by the academic and social demands of college

life. According to a study by the American College Health Association (2021), 63% of first-

year college students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety, and 41% reported feelings so

depressed that it was difficult to function within the past 12 months. (Farabaugh A, et al., 2012)

Depression and suicidal ideation in college students. Among the major risk factors for suicide
in this age group is depression. These mental health challenges can negatively impact their

academic performance, social adjustment, and overall well-being.

A similar issue has been reported in the United Arab Emirates, where mental health is

defined as an individual's psychological and emotional well-being. Positive functioning based

on the interplay of social and biological elements is represented in it (Chow & Choi, 2019;

Easterlin et al., 2019). But as the research by Pascoe et al. (2020) has shown, mental illnesses

are predicted to rise to the top of the list of factors contributing to impairment in the youth of

emerging nations. Therefore, it is crucial to promote mental health and prevent mental diseases.

In Australia, academic pressure was the most common cause of stress, according to a

University of Sydney survey that indicated 44% of first-year students reported having high

levels of stress (University of Sydney, 2019). The study also discovered that there was a higher

likelihood of negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression, among

students who reported higher stress levels.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman conducted a study in 2019 that revealed

high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among first-year college students in the

Philippines (University of the Philippines, 2019). Out of the 300 first-year students surveyed

for the study, 60% said they were under moderate to high stress, and 56% said they were under

moderate to high anxiety. Furthermore, moderate to severe degrees of depression were

indicated by 32% of the participants. The research also discovered that students who expressed
higher levels of stress were more likely to utilize unhealthy coping strategies to deal with their

stress, like substance abuse and overeating. This research emphasizes how critical it is that

Philippine colleges furnish the resources and assistance for mental health particularly for first

year student.

According to a 2019 University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) study done in

Davao City, first-year college students at the university reported significant levels of stress,

anxiety, and despair. Additionally, the study discovered that students with higher stress levels

were more likely to utilize harmful coping strategies to deal with their stress, like substance

abuse and overeating. The report emphasizes how critical it is that Davao City's colleges offer

sufficient funding and assistance for mental health, especially to first-year students.

There is an existing gap regarding the challenges of the first-year college student about

their mental health problems. According to Roger Weisberg and Joseph Allen (2003) it tells

that through assistance and recommendations of the researchers, it can also help them lessen

their social and emotional competence, in student’s academic and social development and

provides evidence for the relationship between social and emotional adjustments and academic

performance.

This study needs to be conducted urgently, hence there is a needed bridge in this

existing gap in the first-year college student prior due to its profound impact on their wellbeing

and academic success. This period marks a critical transition where students struggle with

newfound independence, making them particularly vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and

depression. Addressing these pressing issues through urgent research efforts can lead to

development of target inventions, support mechanism, and policies that effectively aid first

year college students in navigating these challenges, fostering healthier and more successful

transitions into higher education.

The purpose of this qualitative research is to determine the struggles of the first-year

college students. This phenomenology study will determine the insights and views of every

first-year college student on the struggles upon the situation of being college student how they

cope up with this struggle and why it is happening. This qualitative research provides

information about the first-year college student allowing them to share the struggles that they

experience.

This study can give a benefit to the participants because they can share their perspective

and experience as a college student. For several reasons, it is extremely important to know the

difficulties of first-year college students face when it comes to mental health issues. It provides

light on significant time in the lives of students by revealing the unique pressures and

psychological obstacles they encounter when they make the switch from high school to

university degree. In addition, the facilitating a more seamless transition into college,

addressing these obstacles helps to create an atmosphere that is favorable for study and

personal development, which in turns shapes the course of their entire academic journey and

future endeavors.

The primary aim of this research is to comprehensively examine the mental health

landscape among first-year college students. It entails three key objectives: firstly, to pinpoint

and understand the specific hurdles students encounter during their transition to college;

secondly, to discern and analyze the various contributing factors that intensify the mental

health challenges they face; and finally, to directly explore and gather insights from students
about how these challenges impact their mental health. By addressing these objectives, this

study seeks to uncover effective coping strategies and available resources essential in

supporting these students through their initial college journey.

METHODS

Design and Procedure

This research is qualitative in nature and is classified as a design of phenomenological

research. that deals with determining and understanding experiences, opinions, and behaviors, using

phenomenological study. In this research, college students were given a chance to share and understand

the experiences of first-year college students in balancing their school and work responsibilities, and

their insights gained through in-depth interview conducted in personal communication platforms.

Before the conduct of the study a formal letter asking permission to conduct the study to be

obtained from the dean. Informed consent was also obtained from the participants of the study.

When all legal permits were obtained the interview was conducted through personal interview

which the schedule was convenient for the participants and did not disrupt their schedule.
Research Participants

There was a total of 7 first- year college students at University of Mindanao. In this

study and they were chosen through a purposive sampling technique that thus met the selection

criteria. Thus, purposive sampling was used to gather pertinent information from those who

were most likely to have it (Creswell, 2003; Patton, 1990; Lincoln & Cuba, 1985. Lastly, the

researchers use a Purposive Sampling Technique to choose participants who have traits or life

experiences related to the research question. This focused approach facilitates the collection of

comprehensive data from sources who can offer deep insights into the phenomenon being studied.

Research Materials and Instruments

The researchers ensured to have a comfortable and private setting for interviews. Due to the

regulations and limited resources, the researchers came up with a convenient way to gather the needed

data from the participants, which will be the basis for this study. The researchers will interview the

participants and consider using open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. The researchers

prepare a semi-structured interview guide with key themes. Materials may include a voice recorder,

note-taking tools, and consent forms. Our data collection instrument will be utilized through Microsoft

Excel, anticipating getting the respondents’ answers to the specific questions regarding our study.
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