Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies of the

corresponding topics of this research; academic stress, workload and mental health.

Related Literature

Foreign

Academic pressure has negative effects on the well-being of students, and it

can increase the probability of developing anxiety or depression. Moreover, students

experiencing academic stress are likely to perform poorly in their studies, hindering

their potential academic success. This demonstrates how stress related to

academics can limit students' academic performance (How Does Academic Stress

Affect Mental Health in the Age of Digital Learning, 2020).

The level of academic pressure on young adults has become very high. They

face stress to perform well academically, get admission into the right college,

achieve good grades, and secure the best internships, all with the goal of achieving

success in their future careers. This pressure can have a significant impact on the

mental health of young adults, often sacrificing their emotional growth in the pursuit

of academic excellence (The Mental Health Toll of Academic Pressure, 2022).

Ali (2022) says that students face a tremendous amount of pressure to excel

academically, earn accolades and scholarships, which can lead to feelings of stress,
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
anxiety, and depression that can negatively impact their performance and overall

wellbeing. The academic pressure has increased significantly with the frequency of

exams, assignments, projects, and presentations. Additionally, students may feel

overwhelmed by the high expectations of their families and society, which can further

exacerbate their anxiety levels. Consequently, some students may decide to

abandon their studies altogether, while others may experience suicidal ideation due

to the perceived failure to meet expectations.

When students experience high levels of stress related to their academic

pursuits, it can have a negative impact on their motivation, academic performance,

and overall wellbeing. When the pressure to succeed becomes overwhelming, it can

lead to a sense of burnout and a lack of drive to complete assignments or study for

exams. In some cases, this can ultimately result in dropping out of school altogether.

In addition to impacting academic outcomes, chronic stress can also have significant

negative effects on an individual's physical and mental health. It can cause or

exacerbate health issues such as depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, and

substance abuse. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to manage and mitigate

their stress levels effectively to maintain their academic and personal wellbeing

(Understanding Academic Stress in College, 2021).

Yeturi (2021). The roots of this mental health issue can be traced back to

early childhood instead of high school. Parents start exerting pressure on their

children from preschool to get admission in the best schools, with the hope of

securing a bright future. This academic stress only intensifies with time as students

face pressure from various sources such as parents, teachers, and peers. During
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
high school, teens push themselves excessively to get into good colleges, but the

declining admission rates only add to their already high stress levels, leaving them

with no assurance of success.

Local

(Compa, et al., 2020). Students encounter diverse challenges, including

academic pressure, family issues, and social obligations. Stress can manifest in

physical symptoms, such as body pain and emotional turmoil. Juggling school, work,

and social life can add to the stressors that students face, causing them to struggle

with meeting academic expectations. Although students' responses to stress may

vary, there are common situations that can cause stress for anyone.

Cuerpo (2017). Senior high school phase of education is crucial as it allows

students to determine their career path and make important life choices. It provides

them with the necessary academic background if they choose to pursue higher

education. Moreover, it is seen as an essential step in preparing students to

contribute positively to society in their chosen fields. However, senior high school

can also be a source of significant stress for students, leading to "masked

depression." This stress is often caused by the pressure to perform well on exams

and the academic demands placed on them.

Reyes (2022). Mental health problems are not limited to adults; they also

affect high school students, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The negative

impact of mental health issues on a student's energy levels, concentration,

dependability, mental ability, and optimism can result in poor academic performance.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
The vulnerability of children to these harms is well-established, yet there is a lack of

cohesive and comprehensive strategies to address the decline in Filipino children's

mental health. It is crucial that we as individuals who are better equipped to regulate

our emotions remain vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues. The

significance of mental health cannot be understated, particularly when it comes to

the well-being of our youth.

A Deloitte study has found that a large number of Gen Zs and millennials in

the Philippines are experiencing burnout due to work-related stress. The study

reveals that 70% of Gen Zs and 63% of millennials in the country are affected by

burnout, which is significantly higher than the global average of 45%. This has

resulted in a rise in anxiety and stress levels, with 48% of millennials and 68% of

Gen Zs in the Philippines reporting being anxious and stressed most of the time,

which is also higher than the global average. This high prevalence of burnout and

stress has led to an increase in resignations, with 58% of respondents stating that

many of their colleagues have left their jobs due to work pressure, which is 15 points

higher than the global average (Workplace Stress & Burnout in the Philippines: The

Eye-Opening Numbers, 2022).

Beltran (2021) stated that there has been a significant escalation in the

severity of the situation surrounding the academic workload of students, with at least

one recorded case of suicide being allegedly linked to the burden of school work.

Moreover, there are countless other students who are reportedly struggling with

depression or mental health issues, yet remain voiceless and unseen. This alarming

reality has spurred a growing number of students and educators, who are
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
demanding that education officials and universities take immediate action to address

this pressing issue, particularly in the Metro Manila and Luzon areas. Consequently,

there is a palpable sense of anger and frustration among students, and an equally

strong show of support from teachers and professors who are advocating for the

well-being of their students. It is imperative that effective measures are taken to

alleviate the distress of students, improve their mental health, and ultimately prevent

such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

Related Studies

Foreign

Glozah (2013) implies that during adolescence, individuals go through

physical, sexual, and social changes and may face academic stressors that can lead

to various problems. Adolescents become increasingly aware of the importance of

supportive relationships through their social experiences during this time. Inadequate

social support can increase the risk of developing anxiety, depression, or sleep

problems. Academic stress, when combined with low social support from family,

friends, and others, can negatively affect students' health, leading to poor academic

performance. Studies have shown that being part of a supportive social network can

directly improve general health and wellbeing.

(Yuwei, et al., 2022) investigated how academic and familial stress can lead

to depression in students and how this can negatively impact their academic

performance, using Lazarus' cognitive appraisal theory of stress. Using a modified

questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale to collect data from both undergraduate
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
and postgraduate students, using non-probability convenience sampling. The study

employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationship between

stress, depression, and academic performance. The results confirmed that academic

and familial stress can lead to depression among students, which can in turn

negatively affect their academic performance and learning outcomes.

Deb, Strodl, Sun (2012) conducted a study that aims to investigate the extent

of academic stress and exam anxiety among students attending private secondary

schools in India and explore any potential links with socioeconomic and study-related

factors. The research involved 400 adolescents in grades 10 and 12, with 52% male,

from five schools in Kolkata. Participants were chosen through multi-stage sampling

and answered a questionnaire tailored to the study. Results indicated that 35% and

37% experienced high or very high levels of academic stress and exam anxiety,

respectively. Furthermore, students with lower grades reported higher levels of

stress compared to their peers with higher grades. Interestingly, those involved in

extra-curricular activities were more likely to report exam anxiety than those who

were not involved.

Koch (2018) presented a study that investigate the correlation between

academic workload, extracurricular activities, physiological stress, perceived stress,

and mental and physical health throughout a semester. A longitudinal approach was

used, where participants completed surveys at the start and end of the fall semester,

which included measures of mental and physical health, perceived stress, academic

workload, and extracurricular activities. Saliva samples were also collected from
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
participants to assess their cortisol levels and measure physiological stress at each

time point.

Ratanasiripong, China, Toyama (2018) states that over the years, higher

education has become increasingly universal and competitive, which has put more

pressure on university students and exacerbated common academic stressors. As a

result, mental health issues have become a growing concern among this population.

Research has shown that university students experience various stressors, including

meeting institutional and sociocultural expectations, maintaining study hours, and

fulfilling tuition costs, which contribute to depression, anxiety, and stress. These

stressors can lead to academic burnout, affect academic performance, and

negatively impact the overall well-being of university students. It is essential to

address these issues and provide support to help students cope with the demands of

higher education.

Local

(Dy, et al., 2015) inquired that the most common reactions to stress were

emotional, followed by cognitive. Both male and female students identified

academics, workload related to their courses, and time management as their top

sources of stress. Male students tended to respond with emotional reactions, while

female students responded with cognitive reactions. Students studying in both hard

and soft sciences listed academics, workload, and time management as their main

sources of stress, with soft science students responding with cognitive reactions and

hard science students responding with emotional reactions. However, all students
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
reported academics, workload, and time management as their primary sources of

stress and responded with emotional reactions. Monitoring these patterns could help

promote the mental and physical well-being of adolescent students.

(Abracero, et al., 2021). Students are often perceived as stressed due to their

high academic workload. Stress is an emotional state that can lead individuals to feel

insecure and dissatisfied when faced with challenging situations. University students

must complete various academic tasks, such as assignments, tutorials, classes,

tests, exams, quizzes, reports, and practical work, to graduate. This workload can

generate nervousness and anxiety, potentially causing stress that can have negative

effects on students' mental health if it persists for an extended period.

Austria-Cruz (2019) investigated how 382 college students from public and

private universities in Central Luzon, Philippines experience academic stress and

cope with it. The results indicate that stressors include teachers, completing

requirements, and peers who cheat. The students reported feeling stressed, having

trouble sleeping, feeling low self-confidence, and being moody. To cope with these

stressors, students turned to spirituality, which is a prominent trait of Filipinos. The

study emphasizes the importance of following mental health protocols and providing

various opportunities for students to achieve well-being, based on their interests.

Gumasing, Sesnorio, Subido, Ilo (2022). The analysis of the content found

that academic workload during online classes affects student burnout in various

ways. These effects include feeling rushed and pressured, struggling to handle

challenging workloads, experiencing negative emotions such as discouragement,

 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
irritation, stress, and annoyance, feeling burnt out and fatigued. Regression analysis

further revealed that physical workload, a diminished sense of achievement,

increased effort, and frustration significantly contribute to students' academic

burnout.

Serrano, Reyes, de Guzman (2022) examined how Filipino university students

coped with psychological distress during the pandemic in 2020. The research

included two phases: a quantitative survey of 504 students using the Psychological

Distress Scale and Brief Cope Inventory, followed by qualitative interviews with 14

students. The results were used to create a conceptual model called the Wheel of

Filipino University Students' Psychological Distress, which describes the students'

experiences and coping strategies. The study's findings can be used by mental

health policymakers to develop interventions and treatments to support students'

mental health and well-being in accordance with the Philippine Mental Health Act.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________

Synthesis

Academic pressure can harm students' well-being, increase anxiety and

depression, and hinder their academic performance. It is often linked to early

childhood and can lead to excessive stress and uncertainty about future success.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of high school students, and

a significant number of Gen Z’s and millennials in the Philippines are experiencing

burnout and resigning from their jobs due to work-related stress. Adolescents go

through physical, sexual, and social changes that can be stressful, and inadequate

social support can negatively impact their health and academic performance.

Academic and familial stress can cause depression in students, leading to negative

effects on their academic performance and learning outcomes.

A study of 400 high school students from private schools in Kolkata, India

found that a significant proportion experienced high levels of academic stress and

exam anxiety, with those achieving lower grades and participating in extra-curricular

activities reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The relationship between

academic workload, extracurricular activities, perceived and physiological stress, and

 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
CARAGA REGION
Division of Surigao del Sur
Cagwait District
UNIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
___________________________________________________________________
mental and physical health over a semester was studied using a longitudinal

approach. The most common sources of stress among male and female students

were academics, workload, and time management, with emotional reactions being

the top response for males and cognitive reactions for females. University students'

heavy academic workload can lead to stress and negative impacts on their mental

health if it persists for a prolonged period. A study conducted on college students in

the Central Luzon, Philippines revealed that stressors such as teachers, completing

requirements, and peers who cheat led to feelings of stress, low self-confidence, and

moodiness. Filipino university students coped with psychological distress during the

COVID-19 pandemic and created a conceptual model called the Wheel of Filipino

University Students' Psychological Distress that can be used to develop interventions

and treatments for supporting their mental health and well-being in accordance with

the Philippine Mental Health Act.