Identifying the Factors of Coping Mechanisms to the Written Works of Grade 11

students in St. Mary's Academy of Guagua, Pampanga

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A Research Title
Presented to the Faculty of Senior High School
St. Mary’s Academy of Guagua, Pampanga

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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Practical Research 1

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by:

GROUP MEMBERS

Cabantog, Potria Winet C.

Agustin, Jhonwa C.
Panlasigui, Therese Rhian E.
Alde, Hialeah A.
Marquez, Jorge C.
Reyes, Kim Czarina M.
Limin, Aldridge Lexaire C.
Enriquez, Marcus Santino F.
Bautista, Maisie Janeen S.
Dimalanta, Jedd B.

March 2024
 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Coping mechanisms are actions taken in an attempt to prevent or resolve issues or

circumstances that people face. The researchers noticed that many individuals often use

coping mechanisms; activities such as reading, gaming, and watching TV are already

regarded as coping mechanisms since they allow us to forget or ignore the current

circumstance. However, avoiding problems or situations is not the only coping

mechanism; there are also behaviors that attempt to embrace them and find solutions.

This is known as healthy coping methods, and examples include problem solving,

positive thinking, and physical activities. Negative coping mechanisms, on the other

hand, include substance abuse, alcoholism, and smoking, all of which are highly harmful

to our health.

The researchers noticed that Grade 11 students employ several coping strategies when it

comes to their written tasks, including both completing and not completing their work,

as well as engaging in procrastination, which involves delaying the completion of the

task but eventually finishing it. Regarding their efficacy, the coping strategies employed

should differ among individuals. Although students are permitted to develop their own

perspectives on certain assignments, it is critical to acknowledge and confront patterns

of behavior such as intentional ignoring, postponing, and delay. Moreover, the

researchers have hypothesized that factors such as personal issues faced by students and

the challenging nature of the written assignments may contribute to students' tendency

to avoid or neglect their tasks. However, additional research is required to ascertain the

specific reasons behind this behavior and to develop effective strategies to reduce

inappropriate ways of coping among students especially to their written work.

According to Buizza, Cela, Costa, et al. (2022), "Coping strategies and mental health in

a sample of students accessing a university counseling service," students cannot cope

with their life's challenges. Unlike adults, who are more prepared concerning their

environment, younger people seek further strategies to assist them in solving their

challenges. Furthermore, Buizza, Cela, Costa, et al. (2022) found a connection between

inappropriate behaviors and coping techniques such as avoidance and denial, which are

strongly associated with inappropriate behaviorism, especially depression. Despite the

negative consequences, there is still an optimistic outlook (for example, acceptance,

persistence, and a growth-oriented perspective) that protects from psychological pain

and maintains one's well-being. This research focuses on students' behavioral tendencies

and the reasons for using specific coping techniques.

Individuals can set coping methods as objectives to manage emotional stress and

overcome challenging situations. Stress and pressure from schoolwork can have a

significant impact on students' mental health, particularly those in Grade 11. Especially

when students are new to the hardships of having a hectic schedule, higher academic

strength, and maintaining relationships with others, However, by adopting proper time

management skills and prioritizing important tasks, students can enhance their

productivity and develop better coping mechanisms for academic challenges. This leads

to increased self-confidence and a greater potential for achieving academic expectations.

According to Nagle and Sharma (2018), academic stress should be given attention in

regards to its role in the emotional adjustment and coping mechanisms of students.

Parental expectations and competition between students have been the reasons for the

drastic increase in academic stress that the students are experiencing. This has turned out

to affect students, parents, and society as a whole. Several studies, citing a few:

Subramani and Venkatachalam (2019), Talha, Qi, Rizwan (2020), and Calaguas (2012),

have stated that numerous students are not able to cope due to the heavy syllabus in their

respective schools because of the expectations of parents and the competitive

environment between students. Due to this, mental health issues such as depression,

anxiety, and, worse, suicide are seen among students nowadays.

The researchers have observed that some Grade 11 students at St. Mary's Academy of

Guagua, Pampanga, are experiencing problems such as depression, stress, and anxiety

due to academics. Academic stress is one of the big reasons why students tend to rely on
coping mechanisms, because of all the written tasks that need to be done. Aside from

that, there is also the expectation of your peers and parents, which further puts you

under more pressure. Parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and health professionals

must be aware of this subject, especially since it talks about the mental health of the

students and the resulting behaviors that can be experienced or done by the students.

Parents are especially affected by this; they need to apply preventive measures for these

problems, such as talking to their children, asking about their situations and problems,

and the things they can do to help them. They should also know what the students are

doing and monitor them. For students, they must also be aware of this problem. For

them to effectively complete their tasks at school, they need to stop cramming and

immediately do the urgent tasks, and they also should seek help if they are struggling

with something like tasks or personal problems.

Statement of the Problem

Unhealthy coping mechanisms can have significant impacts on students' mental and

physical health if they are not properly managed. Furthermore, this could also affect the

students academic performance, leading to negative academic outcomes. Additionally,

unhealthy coping mechanisms cause stress, which can have detrimental effects on

students' overall well-being. Therefore, educators and support systems should offer

guidance and resources for appropriate coping techniques to ensure students' academic

and personal success.

Specifically, this study will answer the following questions:

 ● What are the factors influencing the choice of coping mechanisms among Grade

11 students in St. Mary's Academy of Guagua, Pampanga, when dealing with the

demands of their written works?

● How do Grade 11 students at St. Mary's Academy of Guagua, Pampanga, utilize

coping mechanisms when faced with academic stressors?

● Why do Grade 11 students at St. Mary's Academy of Guagua, Pampanga, resort

to specific coping mechanisms in response to challenges encountered in their

written works?

Significance of the Study

This study aims to guide Grade 11 students of St. Mary's Academy of Guagua,

Pampanga, towards excellent and effective coping strategies. This research can aid

students in achieving mental clarity and advancing in their written assignments. These

coping strategies help students effectively handle the stress and pressure they are

experiencing.

Specifically, this study will benefit the following:

Students- It is the students who stand to gain from this research. They experience

disruption because this coping mechanism or approach has influenced them.

Parents- This study can benefit parents by influencing their children's coping abilities

based on the way they manage their emotions under supervision.

Future Researchers- This study provides a foundation for future researchers to expand

their understanding of the coping mechanisms being utilized by students in academics.

Teachers- This research can be helpful for teachers in guiding their students. Teachers

can provide emotional support to students, especially understanding that each student

undergoes stress and that their coping strategies may affect their performance in school.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focus will be narrowed down to the population of Grade 11 students. The

study will be conducted in St. Mary’s Academy of Guagua, Pampanga.

References

Buizza, Cela, Costa et al. (2022), Coping strategies and mental health in a sample of

students accessing a university counseling service

Nagle and Sharma (2018), Academic stress and coping mechanism among students: An

Indian perspective

Subramani and Venkatachalam (2019), Parental Expectations and Its Relation to

Academic Stress among School Students

Talha, Qi, Rizwan (2020), Cultural Impact of Perceived Parental Expectations on

Students’ Academic Stress

Calaguas (2012), Parents/teachers and self-expectations as sources of academic stress