Exploring Leadership Stress and Coping Mechanisms Among Student Leaders in Public High School in Arayat Pampanga

Abstract

Stress is a pervasive challenge faced by individuals, including student leaders in academic settings. This study explores the leadership stress and coping mechanisms among student leaders in Public High School in Arayat, Pampanga. Through qualitative design and face-to-face interviews with eighteen (18) student leaders, stressors such as rules disobedience, lack of cooperation, pressure, and workload emerged as prominent themes. These stressors hindered effective leadership, highlighting the need for coping mechanisms to navigate the complexities of leadership roles. In response to the stressors identified, student leaders employ various coping mechanisms. Time management emerged as crucial, allowing leaders to organize tasks efficiently and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Seeking help from peers and mentors provided valuable support and insights, while withdrawal from stress for self-reflection, and religious coping, particularly prayer, offered solace and guidance. By employing these coping strategies, student leaders can effectively manage stress and enhance own leadership effectiveness. This study's findings shed light on the unique challenges faced by student leaders and provide valuable insights into coping mechanisms that can mitigate leadership stress. Understanding these dynamics can inform support systems and interventions to promote student leaders' well-being and effectiveness in their roles.