ST. PAUL COLLEGES FOUNDATION PANIQUI‚ TARLAC INC.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ACADEMIC PRESSURE IN THE

MENTAL HEALTH IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Submitted to :
Mildred F. Martin
Teacher
 Abstract

The constant pressure to perform well academically is taking priority over high
school, a period of tremendous growth and potential. High school students’ mental
health is significantly impacted by this pressure, which is worsen by competitive
situations, societal expectations, and the unrelenting quest of higher education. This
study investigates the complex connection between academic pressure and mental
health, looking at its causes, how it affects students’ physical, mental, and emotional
health, and any possible outcomes for their general development. The study looks
into the many factors that contribute to academic pressure, such as peer
competitiveness, parental expectations and standardized testing. It looks at the
various impacts of this pressure, such as elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and
depression, as well as sleep issues and physical health issues. Additionally, the paper
examines the possible outcomes of impacts on students' general quality of life, social
interactions, and academic achievement. The study attempts to give a thorough grasp
of the difficulties students experience in today's academic environment by literature
reviews and interviews with high school students. It also looks at possible ways to
lessen the harmful impacts of academic pressure, such as encouraging a balanced
approach to education, creating a supportive school climate, and supporting healthy
coping mechanisms. This study aims to increase awareness of the urgent need to give
high school students’ mental health equal weight with their academic performance
by bringing attention to the quiet crisis of academic pressure. It urges parents,
educators, and society at large to work together to establish a more caring and
supporting environment. A setting that supports students overall growth and well-
being.

Introduction
 High school, a crucial period in life, is frequently seen as a time of limitless
opportunities, youthful energy, and the quest for knowledge. It is a time when
people’s uniqueness blossoms, friendships are formed, and passions are explored.
But underneath this romanticized image is a developing worry that clouds the
colorful fabric of high school life: the constant pressure to perform well in class. A
complex interaction between competitive situations, cultural expectations, and the
unrelenting desire of further education fuels this pressure, a powerful force that
permeates the very fabric of the high school experience. It can take many forms,
such as the pressure to perform well on standardized examinations and college
applications.

To the persistent anxiety of falling behind and the continual comparison with
peers. High school students’ perceptions of themselves and their place in the world
are greatly influenced by the pressure to succeed, to thrive, and to gain a spot in the
desired ranks of the academically exceptional. However, the effects of this constant
pressure go well beyond academic achievement and touch the fundamental
foundation of students’ mental health. From anxiety and sadness to sleep issues and
physical health issues, it can show itself as a variety of emotional, psychological,
and physical symptoms. Students’ emotional resilience can be weakened by ongoing
stress, the never-ending quest for perfection, and the dread of failing, leaving them
feeling overburdened, worn out, and cut off from their

This study explores the intricate connection between high school students’ mental
health and academic pressure. It aims to disentangle the complex network of
elements that lead to this strain, looking at its origins, its varied impacts on students’
mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as any possible repercussions for
their general development. By bringing attention to this important topic, the study
hopes to increase understanding of the difficulties high school students have and
promote policies that give equal weight to their emotional and academic well-being.
It is a call to action, imploring parents, teachers, and the general public to
acknowledge the silent crisis of academic pressure and to collaborate in order to
establish a more nurturing and supporting atmosphere for high school pupils.

CHAPTER 1
Background of the Problem

High school pupils’ mental health is now significantly impacted by academic pressure. This
problem suggests that a significant portion of pupils feel uncomfortable about their academic
obligations. Academic Pressure Prevalence Nearly 75% of high school students say they feel
overburdened by their academic obligations, according to research. A lot of students participated
in St. Paul Colleges Foundation Paniqui, Tarlac Inc. study that discovered concerning levels of
anxiety and despair associated with academic pressure. Many students struggle with the demands
imposed on them and display negative attitudes toward school, which might lower their enthusiasm
for learning and overall academic performance. Academic pressure comes from a variety of
sources, such as: 1. Parental Expectations: Although they may originate from a wish for their
kids to achieve, these expectations might unintentionally cause tension and anxiety to rise. 2. High-
Stakes Testing: Anxiety can be greatly increased by the pressure to do well on exams and
standardized tests. 3. Overwork can result in burnout and deteriorate mental health. According to
reports, kids work on homework for 16.8 hours a week on average, which is too much for many
of them to handle. 4. Peer Competition: When pupils believe they are not as successful as their
peers, this competition can cause anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Academic pressure has
serious negative effects on mental health, which can take many different forms, such as anxiety,
depression, and physical health problems.

Overall, the effect of academic pressure on high school kids’ mental health is a serious problem
that has to be addressed by educators, parents, and mental health specialists. This includes anxiety
and depression, physical health problems, and social withdrawal. In order to solve this issue and
enable kids to flourish both academically and personally, supportive settings that place equal
emphasis on mental health and academic accomplishment must be established.
 This study can help the researchers understand the four types of the impact of the Academic
Pressure in the Mental Health in High School Students (anxiety or depression‚ poor sleep quality‚
high level of stress and burnout). The four types of the Impact of the Academic Pressure in the
Mental Health in High School Students, specifically focusing on anxiety or depression, poor sleep
quality‚ high level of stress and burnout.

1. Anxiety or Depression: The study may explore how academic pressure contributes to
feelings of anxiety and depression among students. It can investigate the impact of academic
pressure.

2. Poor Sleep Quality: Researchers analyse how academic pressure affects the sleep quality
of the high school students. They may examine the role of time management‚ relaxation
techniques and healthy habits to manage academic pressure and maintain good quality of
sleep.

3. High Level of Stress: The study can delve into the prevalence and effects of high level of
stress in the academic performance of a student. It may investigate the dynamics of fear of
failure‚ high expectations‚ overwhelming workload‚ parental pressure‚ self doubt and fear
of disappointing others.

4. Burnout: Researchers can explore why academic pressure have a big impact on students
causing it to experience burnout. They may investigate the several reasons of burnout due
to academic pressure and how can students prevent or manage burnout.

By examining these aspects, the study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex
relationship between academic pressure and the mental health, self-esteem, interpersonal
relationships, and behavioural patterns of young students or individual in today’s digital age.

Statement of the Problem

 This study aims to investigate the impact of academic pressure on the mental health of high
school students. It seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the primary sources of academic pressure experienced by high school students?
• Parental expectations
• High-stakes testing
• Excessive workload
• Peer competition
2. How does academic pressure manifest in terms of mental health challenges?
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Other mental health issue

3. What coping mechanisms do high school students employ to deal with academic pressure?
• Healthy coping strategies (e.g., exercise, relaxation techniques, seeking support).
• Unhealthy coping strategies (e.g., substance abuse, self-harm, avoidance).

4. How does academic pressure affect students’ sense of identity and their relationships with
peers, family, and romantic partners?
• Impact on self-esteem
• Social isolation
• Family conflicts
• Other relational challenges

5. What is the significance of this study?

Significance of the Study

Understanding the impact of academic pressure on high school students’ mental health is
crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the negative effects and promote their well-being. This
study aims to provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to
address the challenges associated with academic pressure in the lives of students. The following
groups of individuals shall derive benefits from the study:

Researchers: This study helps them to know the impact of academic pressure on high school
students who are suffering on academic performance and mental health, it also help the researcher
to know the effects of academic pressure.

Students: This study help students to know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. And to remember
that academic success is not the only measure of worth. That their well-being is essential‚ that help
is available and they are doing their best. They need to keep pushing forward and they need to
believe in themselves.

Parents: This study helps them to know what is the effects of academic pressure on their children
and helps them to know what to do if their child is experiencing this.

Teacher: This study helps them to know that pressures can affect student’s academic performance.
It’s also helpful to know how they help and support their students who are experiencing academic
pressure. And this study helps us know how to motivate students to know that they are not alone
in this fight.

Scope and Delimitation

This study is intended to determine the impact of academic pressure in the mental health in
high school students and the effects of it in their academic performance and in the mental health
of students by interviewing and observing the high school students from grade 7 to grade 12.

Definition of terms

Mental Health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively effects how you feel the way
you think and how you act.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread and uneasiness.

Burnout is a state of emotional‚ physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and
prolonged stress.

Academic Pressure is the stress and anxiety that students feel when they are expected to perform
at a certain level.

Self-esteem is confidence in one’s own worth and abilities.