Examining the Relationship between Academic Stress and Coping Mechanisms among Filipino Irregular College Students

Abstract

Using the Transaction Model of Stress and Coping theory, this quantitative study aimed to examine the relationship between academic stress and coping mechanisms among 201 Filipino irregular college students who were conveniently selected. Results showed that academic stress has a positive correlation with active emotional coping, active problem coping, passive emotional coping, and passive problem coping. Specifically, teachers’ stress, test stress and peer stress are positively correlated with active emotional coping, active problem coping, passive emotional coping and passive problem coping. While, a result stress, studying in groups and self-inflicted stress is positively associated with active problem coping, passive emotional coping and passive problem coping. In addition, time management stress only has a positive relationship with passive emotional coping and passive problem coping. Recommendations and the future direction of the study are discussed.