EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP OF ACADEMIC PRESSURE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG THE STUDENTS OF PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY- INFANTA CAMPUS AND THEIR COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between academic pressure and academic performance among the students of Pangasinan State University-Infanta Campus and their coping strategies. The study involved 126 selected students through random sampling using a fishbowl method and utilized a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative designs. Results indicated that the majority of the respondents were female and most of them were in their second year. The research findings, based on five perceived sources of academic pressure (teacher, family, financial, peer, and time), show that teacher expectations place the most academic pressure on student respondents, while peer factors contribute the least. It is also revealed that going out with friends helps students to lessen the pressure. Therefore, the study recommended that school administrators should initiate training for teachers on effective learning and assessment strategies to help reduce academic pressure and better align with students’ needs. It is also recommended that school-based seminars be conducted to educate students about academic pressure and equip them with coping techniques that align with the strategies they already find effective, such as social interaction.