STRESSOR AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG ACCOUNTANCY STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The study's main objective was to determine stressor and coping strategies among accountancy students of Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Main Campus, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilized descriptive qualitative research methodology in collecting relative information. A purposive sampling technique was utilized in determining the research participants. The researcher's primary data gathering tool is a Semi-Structured Interview (SSI). Additionally, the study used the thematic approach in the analysis and interpretation of data. Major findings of the study showed that environmental stressors such as unstable internet connection, family activities, and problems and isolation due to health protocols contribute to students' stress. Another stressor that triggers anxiety is the academic factors: modular distance learning – there is no face-to-face discussion, early submission of activities and assessments, lack of immediate response from instructors, and psychological stressor: lack of self-discipline. On the other hand, despite the existing stressors, students adopted task-oriented coping strategies like using two different networks and double data in case of unstable internet connection, observing time management, learning to adjust to the environment, and finding other ways to contact instructors. The second coping strategy used was emotion-oriented coping strategies such as self-realization, self-meditation, and self-motivation. Thus, the researchers affirm that the study's findings are similar to the transactional theory of Lazaro and Folkman that when the accountancy students faced challenges, they were stressed and negatively affected.