Kapit sa Pananampalataya: Adaptive Coping Strategies of Filipino Students Amid Academic Stress

Abstract

Academic stress remains a significant concern among college students in the Philippines, particularly in academically demanding programs such as social work, where psychological strain may affect both student well-being and educational engagement. Anchored on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4 on Quality Education, this descriptive-quantitative study examined the coping strategies employed by 186 Bachelor of Science in Social Work students at Colegio de San Francisco Javier of Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Inc. during the academic year 2022–2023. Using a modified version of the Brief COPE Inventory, the study identified both adaptive and maladaptive coping responses to academic stressors. Findings revealed that religious coping emerged as the most frequently adopted strategy, followed by planning, active coping, and seeking emotional support, while denial, disengagement, and substance use were least utilized. The results reflect the influence of Filipino cultural values such as pananampalataya (faith), kapwa (shared identity), and collective resilience in shaping student responses to stress. The study highlights the importance of culturally grounded and faith-informed psychosocial interventions that support student mental health, resilience, and inclusive learning environments. Findings may contribute to the strengthening of institutional mental health programs aligned with Republic Act No. 11036, CHED’s National Higher Education Mental Health Program, and the broader goals of sustainable and student-centered higher education.