TABLE OF CONTENTS page i ii iii vi

ABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGMENT LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES Chapter 1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Introduction Statement of the Problem Research Objectives Significance of the Study Hypotheses Scope and Limitations Operational Definition of Terms REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Definition of Stress Levels of Stress Causes of Stress Stressors Experienced in Preparing Exams Nursing Licensure Examination Preparation for Nursing Licensure Exam Stress Management Techniques Review of Related Studies Synthesis RESEARCH FRAMEWORK Theoretical Framework Operational Framework METHODOLOGY Research Design Source of Data Respondents of the Study

1 2 3 4 7 8 8

10 14 15 18 27 29 31 59 64

67 71

73 74 74

Locale of the Study Research Tools and Instruments Data Gathering Procedure Data Analysis and Statistical Treatment 5 6 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Summary of Findings Conclusion Recommendations

74 75 76 77 80

100 104 105

BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C