SDCA Journal of Psychology

Abstract

This research sought to know the possible effects whether skills training with expressive writing can reduce the academic stress level of selected adolescent student of Philippine Institute of Maritime Studies and Technologies. The respondents of the study were thirty (30) students of Philippine Institute of Maritime Studies and Technologies through simple random sampling. The study made use of pre-test and post-test experimental design and paired t-test analysis was used for the analysis of data. The researchers made use of four instruments: skills training module, expressive writing, a self-report perceived stress scale, and academic stress scale. The results in regards with the difference between the post-test mean score of the experimental group and control group in the self-report stress scale showed significant difference (t28=-9.69, p=0.00) in which case the null hypothesis has been rejected. Furthermore, the results in regards with the difference between the post-test mean score of the experimental group and control group therefore the null hypothesis has been rejected. The results showed that the academic stress level has been reduced among the adolescent students. Furthermore, skills’ training with expressive writing was an effective technique in reducing the academic stress level of adolescent students. The researchers advocate further analysis in regards with respondents to participate and may add different techniques and lectures in terms of expressing one’s feelings to reduce the stress level.

Keywords: Skills training, expressive writing, academic stress, adolescents, academic stress scale, self-report stress scale, students.