College Academic Stress: Getting by, Muddling Through

Academic stress challenges students’ ability to cope up and strategize. In the University, manifestation of moderate stress along academic endeavors among future teachers should not be disregarded as when this becomes critical. It will burden their academic journey and personal lives. Using descriptive research design employing descriptive and inferential statistics, the study unveiled that students are severely stressed along financial-related matters, which calls for their capacity to budget allowance, deal with unexpected expenses and save money for requirements. Submitting requirements, dealing with strict teachers, bearing with noisy classrooms, transferring from one building to the other and worrying about future cause them severe stress but they are not stressed at attending classes. Coping styles are often used by students to manage stress. Thinking of the brighter side of life and trying to rediscover the most important things in life are indications of optimism among students. Year level, among other profile variables, significantly influences the students’ academic stress levels. Sophomores were significantly more stressed than the seniors. Though relationship between academic stress and coping styles was not significantly established, it is quite essential that students are taught on coping mechanisms, so they have defense against stress.

Keywords: college academic stress, getting by/muddling through, coping styles/strategies, stress levels, future secondary school teachers