Academic Stress and Performance of the BEED and BSED Female Students

Abstract

Academic stress is a pervasive issue in higher education, particularly among female students who balance rigorous academic demands with personal and social responsibilities. In programs such as Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd), stress can manifest through interpersonal, academic, and environmental pressures, potentially affecting both mental health and academic performance. Recent studies highlight that while stress may undermine achievement, resilience and coping strategies can buffer its impact. This study employed a descriptive correlational design to examine the relationship between perceived academic stress and academic performance among 220 purposively sampled female BEED and BSEd students at a college in Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire measuring stress across interpersonal, academic, and environmental dimensions, alongside secondary GPA records. Descriptive statistics summarized stress levels and performance distributions, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient tested the relationship between stress and achievement. Findings revealed that students reported very high academic stress (M = 3.45) compared to interpersonal (M = 3.23) and environmental stress (M = 2.98), with an overall high stress profile (M = 3.22). Despite this, most students maintained commendable performance, with 32.7% classified as “Very Good” and 29.5% as “Good.” However, 17.3% fell into “Fair,” “Poor,” or “Failing” categories. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship (r = –0.27, p < .05) between perceived stress and academic performance, confirming that higher stress levels predict lower achievement. The study underscores the complex interplay between stress and performance: while many female students demonstrate resilience, elevated stress remains a risk factor for underachievement. Educational institutions should implement comprehensive wellness programs, counseling services, peer mentoring, and stress management workshops to foster resilience and safeguard mental health. Balancing academic excellence with psychosocial support can create healthier learning environments that empower students to manage stress effectively while sustaining academic success.