Coa Student Coping Style and Response to Stress

COA STUDENTS COPING STYLES AND RESPONSE TO STRESS

A study of the difference between the preferred

coping style of male and female students.

Andrew Paulo Ludovice

Jhazell Mariel Anne Reyes

ABSTRACT

        A growing body of research indicates the importance of coping strategies when an individual responds to environmental demands. The study conducted with 30 students of College of Agriculture 15 males and 15 females, and also Coping Scale (CS) was used to test whether Solving Problem, Non-Productive Coping or Reference to Others.

One of the main goals of the study is to investigate the validity of the CS in applied setting which made the use of one school population appropriate and also to find out the difference between the preferred coping style or mechanism/s of male and female students.

        This study suggested practical ways in which college students at risk of suffering when facing a stressful event could be identified and provided with appropriate help. The student group reported frequent use of coping strategies which research indicates likely to be effective, and relatively use of ineffective strategies.

There was no evidence that parents and teachers were aware of the student’s stressors.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

        We wish to acknowledge many people who helped us carry this study through from the conception to delivery.

        Thanks for all the students of University of Rizal System who cheerfully completed the questionnaires and we are deeply grateful to our family who gave us total support and showed their confidence in us during the long gestation period and made our study be possible. And special thanks to our close friends John Mark, Nomerson, Matthew, and Julie Rose who totally gave us a countless encouragement and support and also to our professor Mr. Francisco Sioson thank you sir for all the help and support you gave to us. But we want to express our deepest appreciation to our God in heaven who gave us a hundred percent support and love, Thank you Lord, this couldn’t be done without you.

                                                                                Andong Handsome

                                                                                Maye Pretty

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

College life is one of the most scintillating and memorable experiences in an adolescent’s life. It is in college that an adolescent enjoys the vibrant environment, the company of friends and the various academic and co-curricular activities, which enriches nurtures and henceforth prepares the adolescent for adulthood. Looking from a closer perspective, the college student’s encounters a number of challenges in his day to day life, therefore the whole idea of an exciting and vibrant college life is unveiled by these challenges which in turn contribute to stress and if not dealt with can only escalate and hamper their academic performance, emotional and social well-being. College students are exposed to a considerable amount of stress, which necessitate successful and constantly changing coping strategy. These stressors include internal and external pressures exerted by the environment to thrive and succeed, overcome economic hardships, worries about vague futures, societal problems and opportunities. College students often meet their future partners in college, hand in hand they also require preparation and focus to perform well in home works and tests in various subjects and disciplines, consequently they very often face inconsistent outcomes. Therefore ineffective coping can lead to anxiety, drinking problems, depression and a multitude of other mental health problems amongst college students. The issue of stress among college and university students has been in focus for several years. Elevated stress levels amongst students can result in a decline in the academic accomplishments, and can affect both the physical and mental health of students. Therefore, studies on coping with stress will have a significant impact in higher education.