Coping Mechanism among College Students on Stress in Laboratory Activities in Time of Pandemic

Abstract

Pandemic resulted in the closure of regular face-to-face classes, and students transitioned to homeschooling and flexible online learning, which impacted laboratory activities. This study assesses the coping mechanisms utilized by the students on stress during laboratory activities during the pandemic. In this study, researchers used the Cognitive theory of coping, which Folkman (1997) propound. This study identified significant variables based on the reviewed ideas, literature, and studies. These variables are divided into two groups: the demographic profile, which includes financial support, gadgets available, and their location, and the coping mechanism, divided into three categories: mental, emotional, and social aspects. This descriptive research uses qualitative data from 183 randomly chosen technology students. The researchers used a purposive sampling method in selecting the respondents.

The statistics indicated that 75.1 percent of individuals who responded to the poll were female. Further study revealed that mental elements of all laboratory activities had the most significant mean of 3.10 and the lowest standard deviation of 0.81, with the highest mean of 3.10 and the lowest standard deviation of 0.81. It showed that the respondents cope with their mental aspects through positive reappraisal done through constant prayer. After further analysis via Pearson Moment Correlation, it was proven that the demographic profile; (financial income, gadgets available, and location) has significant relationships in coping with their stress in their laboratory activities in times of pandemic. It proves that despite the situation we are facing now, students are still finding ways of coping with their stress in their laboratory activities during the pandemic. If students keep on dealing with their anxiety, there is no reason they cannot surpass the challenges in this time of the pandemic. With this, we urge that the institution should evaluate the variables mentioned above before conducting laboratory activities.