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ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

POWER TO HEAL US WITH A SONG: EXPLORING THE


EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON THE MENTAL
WELL-BEING OF SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL STUDENTS

____________________

A Qualitative Research

Presented to
The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
Ilocos Sur National High School
Senior High School
Vigan City

____________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the


Requirements for the Subject
Practical Research 1

____________________

By:

JOHANNS GERARD P. FIGUERAS

MARY ROSE B. RAGUINDIN

2022
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL i

CERTIFICATION

This qualitative research entitled “POWER TO HEAL US WITH A

SONG: EXPLORE THE EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON THE MENTAL

WELL-BEING OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS” prepared and

submitted by Johanns Gerard P. Figueras, and Mary Rose B. Raguindin, in

partial fulfilment of the requirement for the subject, Practical Research 1,

Second Semester, School Year 2021 – 2022, has been examined and is

recommended for acceptance and approval for Oral Examination.

JEFFERSON R. GANNABAN, MAEd Bio

Adviser
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ii

APPROVAL SHEET

Approved by the Panel of Examiners on Oral Examination with grade of

Passed.

EUGENE R. AGUILAR, MAME


Chairman

JOAN PAULET A. ALCANTARA, MAT ENG


Panel Member

EDWARD HENRY M. CAOILE, BS Ed


Panel Member

Accepted and approved in partial fulfilment for the subject, Practical

Research 1, Second Semester, School Year 2021-2022.

RICKY F. BOSQUE, Ed. D.


Officer-In-Charge
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Accounting and Business Management

EDITHA C. BAGCAL
Principal IV
Ilocos Sur National High School

Date: May 26, 2022


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers are grateful to all the people who helped them in the fulfillment

of this study. In the absence of their words of guidance, encouragement, and

moral support, this piece of work would be nonexistent.

The researchers acknowledge the following with sincere and heartfelt

appreciation for the completion of this work.

Mrs. Editha C. Bagcal, Principal IV of Ilocos Sur National High School

(ISNHS), for her passionate support, encouragement, concern and constant effort

in giving endless reminders for the completion of the study;

Mr. Ricky F. Bosque, Officer-in-Charge, Subject Group Head of the

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy,

Business, and Management (ABM), for his support and guidance in the success

of the research paper;

Mr. Jefferson R. Gannaban, research adviser, for his fatherly support,

not only to the researchers but also their peers;

Mr. Eugene R. Aguilar, chairman of the panel members, for his

intellectual concepts, suggestions, and expertise that contributed to the

enhancement and development of the study;

Mr. Edward Henry M. Caoile, section adviser and one of the panel

members, for his continuous motivation, guidance and support in the conduct of

the study;

Ms. Joan Paulet Alcantara, critic and panel member, for imparting her

impeccable insights and technical assistance in the conduct of this study;


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL iv

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Anthony Figueras, Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo

Raguindin, their parents, who encouraged them with their love and endless

provision for them to continue pursuing their study;

Mr. Mark Adrian Calvo and Ms. Hannah Romero, friends and fellow

students who conducted their own research, for their technical and moral

support;

The informants who shared their knowledge which contributed to the

success of the study. All the people whose names were unintentionally omitted

but who contributed to the success of the study, and

Above all, to the Almighty God, for the hope and blessings He showered

to the researchers for the completion of this piece of work.

J.G.F.

M.R.R.
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL v

DEDICATION

This study is faithfully devoted to

Our Almighty Father, who is the source of all,


for His enlightenment, blessings, and guidance.
We express our deepest gratitude wholeheartedly.
For He listens to our whispers and prayers
For He has assisted us in fulfilling our aspired goal.
For He has granted our requests.

To our parents,
Who have been our source of inspiration and motivation,
Who gave us strength when we were about to give up.
The foundation of our sanity and amity.
The ones who provided moral, spiritual, emotional, and financial support.

To our brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and other relatives


who stimulated and shared to us the fruits and realization of our vision.

To the students of today’s time.


The main concern and the main inspiration of this research.
The sole purpose of conducting and the sole foundation of this study.

And to all, whom we shared our journey; failures, hardships, and success.

From the center of our heart and soul,


This study is offered all for you.

Ice Cream
Akemi
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL vi

ABSTRACT

Adolescence is a crucial part of one’s life. It can be full of new

experiences and challenges which may cause stress. As such, it is important that

students as adolescents develop healthy ways to cope with stress. This

qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of Grade 11 students of

the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand students

of Ilocos Sur National High School on how listening to music helps them to

manage their stress.

This study made use of qualitative research methods. There were twenty

(20) students interviewed in a semi-structured format. Students identified their

sources of stress. Students then discussed how listening to music helps them to

deal with these stressors in the dimensions of self-awareness, social relatedness,

and mood regulation. The findings highlight how beneficial it is for students to

listen to music as a coping mechanism. Listening to music helps them to process

their emotions. It serves as a safe space for them to rest from overwhelming

situations. It makes them feel connected with others. And it helps them relax, be

calm, or get into a positive mood.

Researchers recommend the following: People and institutions

concerned with the mental well-being of students and or adolescents should

promote the use of music as an indirect coping strategy, as well as develop and

spread awareness on how adolescents can maximize the effects and healthy

use of music.

The continuous support of parents and counselling figures including

teachers in the lives of adolescents are encouraged. They should also make use
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL vi

of music to connect and relate with these adolescents as a form of parenting

and
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL vii

or counselling to better establish ways to adapt and communicate with them on

their crucial stage of life full of changes. Furthermore, as students do tasks for

their academic requirements, one can possibly enjoy working on them more

when playing music as a background, but of course with regulation according

to their ability to focus to avoid distractions. As well as listening to

motivating, inspiring, or uplifting music in between breaks as a form of

recharging. In addition to this, schools can also conduct music festivals, or

integrate music that the young students like into their programs and activities.

The researchers also deem that there is a need to conduct more studies

on these dimensions on the factors affecting adolescents’ behavior with

regards to the music they listen to. As such, other researchers should continue

to explore and expand this study for further essential data.

Keywords: mental health; adolescents; listening to music


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title Page…………………………………………………………………………

Certification………………………..………………….………………………….. i

Approval Sheet.……………………………...………………………….……….. ii

Acknowledgment……….……………………………………………………….. iii

Dedication……..……………………………………………….………..……….. v

Abstract……..…………………………………………………………………… vi

Table of Contents……….……………………………………………………….. viii

Chapter I: The Problem

Introduction.………………………………………………………………1

Research Question………………….….…………………………....…… 3

Scope and Limitations…….…………..……….………………………….3

Operational Definition of Terms……...………...………..……………… 4

Review of Related Literature…………………………………......……... 4

Methods………………………………………………………….……… 8

Research Design………………………….……………………………... 8

Study Locale and Informants……….…………………………………… 9

Data Gathering Procedure, Tools, and Analysis…………...…………… 10

Ethical Consideration…....…………………………………………….... 11

Chapter II: Presentation, Analysis, and Discussion

Sources of Stress………...….……………………………………………..
12

Effects and Benefits of Music …….…………………….……………….16


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ix

Chapter III: Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation

Summary...……………………………………………………………… 19

Conclusion….……………………………………………………………20

Recommendation….……………………………….…………………… 21

Bibliography…....………………………………………………………………. 23

Appendices….………………….………………………………………………. 27

Curriculum Vitae………………………………………………………………...37

List of Tables and Figures

Conceptual Framework…………………………………….…………………… 7

Profile of Informants……………………………………………………………. 9
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

Students as adolescents go through many ordeals in their stage of life.

When everything is changing, and when life bombards them with numerous

experiences that may decide what sort of person they will be for the rest of

their life. As adolescents they begin to undergo big changes with regards to

their physiological, intellectual, personality, and social aspects (Sawyer et al,

2018).

On the study of Bonnie et al (2019), adolescence is regarded as a stage

of life wherein it is rich of growth and development. It is where one is on a

journey on the search for their own soul and for who they are. And it is also a

stage wherein the pressure to grow, to be defined as something worthy, and to

pursue one’s self and their success, is greater than ever.

Some of these experiences that they will encounter take the shape of

challenges and problems. Experiences that can be unique to a margin of the

population of adolescents, or general to all. These experiences may vary in

difficulty or in characteristics towards each individual, but they can all be

similar in terms of how it affects them mentally and or the pressure and stress

it gives on them.

Common problems which arise from academics, relationships with

people, be it with friends, lovers, family, sociological problems with regards to


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

their peers, the use of technology, and more. Stress is a natural part of life, it is

an undeniable truth.
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 2

As such, it is important that they have a healthy way to deal with these

stressors and anxieties, whether it be coming from something part of their

daily life, or a unique event in one’s life.

One of the strategies involved in coping mechanisms involve the use of

external factors as a response towards the emotional state of an individual with

regards to the problem (Juth et al, 2014). Emotion-focused coping strategies

focus on the actions that individuals implement to handle stress. This includes

the use of music as a form of expression.

Music has been used since the ancient times, and has evolved over

these past centuries (Meymandi, 2009) and more progressively these recent

decades. Music is a work of art that captivates its listener to the intent of a

melody or words. It can be compared to books when it comes to the use of

imagination bringing the mind to places to which one can only dream of, or

visit one which fits to an individual’s reality. It has the capacity to alter or help

one transcend a higher realm with regards to their individuality and sit down

with their emotions and thoughts, managing them to the individuals will

(Robb-Dover, 2021). It has a big influence towards a person, and when used

correctly, can bring more benefit than just pleasantries to the ear.

Adolescents face numerous challenges. This study aimed to potentially

help these troubled youths to develop a healthy method for dealing with their

anxieties through the form of music. It would be advantageous in the realm of

coping with the numerous setbacks they face in life, especially the pressure to

excel academically. In addition to that, parents, teachers, and other counselling

figures present in the life of an adolescent would benefit towards developing


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 3

methods to connect and communicate with their growing students towards

adulthood.

The researchers aimed to determine how the use of music brings

benefit towards dealing with stress that Senior High School students deal with

everyday situations.

Research Questions

This qualitative study aimed to explore how listening to music can

affect one’s mood.

Specifically, it sought out these questions:

1. What are the sources of stress among Senior High School

students?

2. Does listening to music help Senior High School students deal

with stress?

Scope and Delimitation

As this study explored how music can help young people get through

rough patches in their life, to help them develop healthy coping strategies, the

researchers realized how complex and wide the realm they are about to lay

hands on. Given the timeframe of more or less than two months, for

efficiency, this study focused on how music helps the adolescents of a local

school.

The study entailed to discover how adolescents use music –

specifically music listening – as a cognitive and emotional function, and if it

proved to be helpful for them in dealing with stressors. It intended to seek out
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 4

a significant relationship between the variables of music listening and coping

methods.

Operational Definition of Terms

To clarify, the following terms and words are defined in the context of

the study.

Adolescents. This refers to a young person undergoing development

towards being an adult. More casually addressed as teenagers.

Stressor. It refers to objects or manifestations that cause stress.

Coping mechanism. It refers to strategies or actions intended to deal

with stress whether it be in a direct or indirect manner.

Music. It refers to an art form produced by making sounds with intent

within the various elements such as rhythm, harmony, melody, etc.

Mental well-being. It refers to the cognitive, behavioral, and

emotional state of wellness of an individual

SHS students. This refers to students who are currently taking an

educational program under the government as a preparatory measure towards

college. They are the main subject of this study, as well as characterized as

adolescents

Review of Related Literature

This part of the study contains the related researches and studies

conducted in this field that the researchers deem relevant and helpful in

pursuing this study. It includes the synthesis of information from past studies
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 5

which serves as a foundation for analyzing how the variables involved are

inter-connected and how can it be further explained.

On Music

Music is a universal concept, it is used by humans as a means of

expression and communication. It is widely spread among cultures, people

young or old, and exists in our everyday lives (Mehr et al., 2019). Music has

existed even before societies emerged. But music goes beyond just simple

amusement. Many scholars have tried to find music’s origin, but stumbled

upon discovering many of the facets that music serves as functions towards

mankind.

One of which is Panksepp and Bernatsky’s (2002) theory on music

functioning as a social and emotional tool for communication. They argued

how sounds were used as a means for ancestors who lived in arboreal

environments to function as a society. Similarly, an evolutionary theory from

Falk (2004), suggested that the origin of music is related to how mothers’

attend to their infants with the use of melodic humming or singing. This was

used to console their children, and would indicate to the infants that their

caretaker is near, and that they are safe even at the absence of physical touch.

On the same field, empirical studies showed multiple functions of

music with four functions identified to be consistent in each study. These four

being: cognitive, emotional, social/cultural, and physiological/arousal-related

functions (Schäfer, 2013).


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 6

Music is important to adolescents, because it allows them to satisfy

their emotional needs. Music provides a way for adolescents to express and

explore their feelings and emotion (North et al, 2010). Listening to music has

the potential to relax our mind, bodies, and also music can lower the cortisol

levels wherein cortisol is the human stress hormone, the higher it is, the more

stress they may feel. Adolescents keep on listening music to manage their

stress levels and boost their motivation to deal with stressors.

On Adolescents

Adolescence is one of the stressful periods of human development. Not

only does it affect their mental health, it also affects their physical health.

Teens are known for their independence, but they still require supervision and

guidance from their parents or guardians. Many of them begin to engage in

risky behaviors, which may result in bad decisions and consequences. Pressure

on today's teens is a big deal. They're often pressured to fit in, to be sexually

active, to be perfect, to pick on others, and to be successful. In this case,

teenagers are not fully aware of how they can enjoy their life as teens where

most of them are stress-free.

Students have a tremendous amount of stress related to their school

environment that can impede or affect their academic performance. The

pressures include passing tests in school, peer pressure, and pressures to

succeed, make good grades, and to have meaningful friendships. School is one

of the greatest causes of stress in a teenager’s life (Hudson, 2013).

In today's world, where technology is constantly evolving, teenagers

are confronted with issues that no previous generation has faced. Here are
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 7

some common issues and problems teenagers face today: Depression,

Bullying, Sexual Activity, Drug Use, Alcohol Use, Obesity, Academic

Problems, Peer Pressure, Social Media, and On-Screen Violence (Morin,

2020).

During this pandemic, adolescents also faced with problems of their

own. With social interaction being limited, it gave rise to new challenges for

these developing youths. A study conducted by UNICEF put emphasis on how

exactly the recent COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on these young people:

“Higher levels of depression, fear, anxiety, anger, irritability, negativity,

conduct disorder, alcohol and substance use and sedentary behaviors

compared with pre-pandemic rates were commonly reported in children and

adolescents in 2020 . . .” (Sharma et al, 2021).

Listening to music falls within the emotion-focused coping aspect. The

reason being, given that music has the capacity to allow one to express

themselves (North et al, 2010). And this coping aspect relies on strategies that

tend to the emotional state of an individual with respect to the stressor

(Aldwin and Yancura, 2004). Some probable strategies involve the use of

external factors such as food and or alcohol.

It is evident that there is a need for the youth to be guided in life and

most especially for them to learn how to deal with problems. One of the ways

that music benefits humans is through the power to help one express their

emotion through this medium, And it is exactly this reason to which this study

aims to deepen comprehension through assessing how exactly music helps


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 8

these troubled youths to cope with the struggles they face in the facets of their

individuality with regards to managing their emotions.

Conceptual Framework

In the conduct of this study, this diagram attempts to visualize the

variables involved and how they affect one another.

Effects on Listening Dealing with


to Music Stress and
Anxieties

SHS Students

Figure 1. Conceptual Paradigm

As shown in the illustration, in the realm of individual Senior High

School students which are the main subject of this study, it proposes how the

effects of listening to music affects the ability of SHS students to deal with

stress and anxieties.

Methods

This portion presents a discussion of the research design, the sample of

the study, data gathering tools, procedures, data analysis and ethical issues

which were utilized in the study.


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 9

Research Design

The researchers implemented a qualitative research design in exploring

the relationship of music towards the mental well-being of students. This

method is appropriate for diving in to the personal experiences and

perspectives of the subjects of the study of a specific phenomenon. This is

aligned with the goal of this study to understand the phenomena between the

factors involved as to how it affects these students personally.

Questions were formed and were executed in interviews towards

determining the participants’ experiences with regards to seeking out our

objective. According to Jamshed (2014), interviews are one of the most

common ways of gathering data in qualitative studies, and having semi-

structured, lightly-structured or in-depth interviews. Making the interview

conversational in nature would allow the participants to be able to express

their thoughts openly and with honesty in most cases.

Study Locale and Informants

The study was conducted at Ilocos Sur National High School, with

twenty (20) Grade 11 students from STEM strand as the participants.

Participants were chosen with regards to their willingness to participate. They

were also pre-determined to fit a criteria with regards to the fulfillment of the

objective of our study. Participants chosen must be: (1) a student, and (2) are

who actively listens to music.

This school was chosen due to the ease of access for the researchers to

conduct in their locality. The distribution of the informants is presented in

Table 1.
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 10

Table 1. Profile of Informants

Informants Gender Section

Ilocos Sur National


High School
A M Jade
B M Jade
C F Jade
D F Jade
E F Jade
F F Jade
G F Sapphire
H F Sapphire
I M Sapphire
J M Calcite
K F Calcite
L F Calcite
M M Calcite
N M Amethyst
O F Amethyst
P F Amethyst
Q M Gold
R M Gold
S F Gold
T F Gold

Data Gathering, Tools, and Analysis

Due to financial and geographical limitations, data gathering was done

through semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted through the

means of online video-chatting applications such as Google meet and Zoom.

Participants selected were determined via availability and purposive sampling

methods.

Semi-structured interviews follow a more flexible set-up wherein the

interviewers ask pre-determined but open-ended questions in nature to allow

discussions with the interviewees.


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 11

The questions prepared aimed to probe the participants’ thoughts

through addressing the questions of this study. This was done to help get better

and accurate data by allowing the participants to express themselves to their

best capability.

The researchers also made use of audio recordings during the interview

for better retaining as to what the original data from them represents, and as to

accurately analyze the data with regards to the passage of time. Translations

from English to the local language of the participants – Filipino – would be

implemented as to better acquire data from the participants.

In this qualitative research, data was analysed through identifying the

information gathered with the labels through recurring topics, patterns, and

grouping them into themes. Through this organization of data, it made use of a

structured body as to how the information gathered are relevant with one

another and help answer the main question of this study.

Ethical Considerations

Throughout the conduct of this study, the researchers made sure to uphold

and apply ethical principles and utmost integrity. Proper citation and referencing

was implemented. Participants and intellectual beneficiaries were treated with

respect. Consent from the participants and authorities were properly addressed.

Confidentiality and privacy were properly observed


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Chapter II

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the discussion of the research questions and the

experiences of the participants’ with regards to their sources of stress, and how

music helps them to manage these stressors.

On the Sources of Stress

Taken individually, participants shared their experiences on the

activities and manifestations of stress on their daily lives. Based on these, they

provided different activities that subject them to stress. The following are:

a. Completion of tasks for academic requirements. Most of the

participants collectively agreed that as adolescents whom are

also students, their main source of stress comes from within

school (Morin, 2020). More specifically on their ability to

complete academic requirements given by teachers based from

the curriculum. Participant L stated that: “. . . there are many

workloads that are given”. While Participant O also added on

how much tasks are given to be done in such limited time. This

coupled by the fact that there are many subjects in the

curriculum that have varying difficulties for each individual,

can be overwhelming.

b. Getting along with family members. The most basic unit of a

society is the family (Kapur, 2018). This is where one from a

young age learns and takes on roles given to him or her by the
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 13

society and culture surrounding them. And it is also one of the

social circles that have the most interactions between family

members, intimate or not, and especially when a person is not

yet of legal age to be called an adult. As such it can be

challenging for the members to interact effectively when there

are barriers involved. With the members having different

personalities and interests, sometimes getting along can be

hard, more so when ideals and beliefs between these members

oppose each other. This applies to the adolescent SHS students

who also belong to different families, with different

backgrounds and customs. A study from Kobak (2017)

supports the idea that as much as parenting poses a challenge to

the ever changing needs of the adolescents, adolescents also

have a hard time interacting with their parents as these

adolescents strive for autonomy and social reorientation.

c. Managing duties and responsibilities as a member of the

family. As an older sibling or as a child itself, there are also

roles and tasks that parents and other elderly or authority

figures in the family assign to them. They can be basic

household chores such as cleaning, cooking, and taking care of

younger siblings. These things can be quite challenging given

that these adolescents are already students who also have

responsibilities (Morin, 2021). Participant G agreed on this and


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 14

said that: “. . . it is stressful for me since besides schoolwork, I

also have to do my chores simultaneously.”

d. Socializing with peers. Social circles play a crucial part in the

lives of adolescents. Besides family, friends are also one of the

intimate groups of people an individual can have. As such it

can be quite stressful when finding the right group of people an

individual feels that he or she belongs to, mostly towards

people who share the same interest and qualities as them

(Laursen and Veenstra, 2021). As such, communicating with

people who they don’t have common ground with can be

difficult. Reaching out to these people can be hard, especially

when an individual’s personality is reserved and not outgoing.

Participant O said that: “It can be tiring and hard for me to

socialize with others. A traumatic experience of bullying

experienced by Participant A had a great effect on his

perspective of life, which was also one of the sources of stress

he identified caused by conflicts between him and his social

circle in the school.

e. Significant events in their personal life. Some of the stress the

humans go through are not only limited to those that they

experience every day. Sometimes they can be one-time events

that give off a significant effect that makes a big change in their

lives (Kettlewell et al, 2019). One of which was what

Participant F shared about her loss of a loved one to death,


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 15

which is painful and full of grief. Another by Participant O, is

when they grow apart from those whom they cherish such as

friends.

f. Other personal afflictions. Some of these causes of stress from

their experiences were not as generalized due to the fact that

our sample size was small. Nonetheless, the participants still

expressed some of their personal concerns that made them feel

stressed. One of which was mentioned by Participant C who

said that: “Sometimes I get stressed because of my insecurities .

. . like how I feel about my body. And it becomes a cycle since

I overeat to relieve myself, and I dislike my body more when I

gain weight”. Participant J also mentioned on his insecurities:

“I also feel somewhat insecure about my pimples and body

weight”. This aligns with what Pickhardt (2016) identified as

an interpersonal source of stress about the concerns of

adolescents on their personal appearance. Participant B and F

mentioned how they were concerned about their financial

situations. It is important to take not that money is used to

provide for the needs and wants of an individual. If these needs

and wants are not met, it can be stressful for the individual,

especially when it is an absolute necessity that is being kept

away from them. A study by Algren et al (2018), stated that the

poor socio-economic status of a family affects the emotional-

affective support for their children, increased the levels of


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 16

stress for the family members, related to the decline on the

academic performance of adolescents, and depressive

symptoms of adolescents.

The researchers found that the factors that affect the stress of Grade 11

students came mostly from their completion of academic requirements,

followed with interacting with their family members, doing their duties as a

member of the family, socializing with peers, significant events and changes

in their lives, and other personal reasons.

These findings are supported and similar to what Hudson (2013) and

Morin (2020) discovered on the social issues that adolescents go through as

they explore life.

On the Effects and Benefits of Music

Taken individually, participants shared their experiences on how music

affected their ability to cope and manage with stress. Based on these, they

identified several reasons or ways that music affected them and helped them

deal with stressors. They are grouped into three main dimensions that are

supported and have been identified by Schäfer (2013) as the main

psychological functions of music listening. The following are namely:

a. Self-awareness. This includes statements of self-related

thoughts, emotions and sentiments, solace, escapism, and

meaning. One of the ways of indirect coping mechanisms is

emotional management. Managing emotions includes

understanding one’s feelings, and processing it in a way that

one is able to be okay with feeling that way (Brady, 2020).


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 17

Functioning well even in the midst of hard to acknowledge

emotions such as sadness and anger, is what emotional

management aims to achieve. Participant P stated that: “Music

acts as an emotional catalyst that helps me sit down and process

my emotions”. She added that: “. . . listening to music that

makes you sad can really add to the heaviness of what you are

feeling, but it helps you to embrace that and be better

afterwards.” Participant Q and D also shared how they listen to

music as a form of escapism. Delgado (2019) stated that

escapism can be a means that allows people to deal better with

a world that is too overwhelming. It can help create the

necessary psychological distance to solve a problem.

b. Social relatedness. This includes statements of social bonding

and affiliation. Social support is important in maintaining

psychological health (Ozbay et al, 2007). It can boost resiliency

towards stress. Participant G agreed on this saying: “I feel like I

am not alone when I listen to music that makes me realize I

share similar feelings and experiences with other people.” She

also added: “. . . it makes me feel like I can also get through my

challenges like what they (the artist(s) or composer(s) of the

song) have done with theirs.” Participant O also mentioned:

“My friends share songs and playlists that they think I like or

can relate too, sometimes they are sad songs, and I feel like

that’s how they comfort me or give me advice.”


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 18

c. Mood regulation. This includes statements of using music as

entertainment, getting into a positive mood and regulation of

physiological arousal. Under the methods of indirect coping

strategies to deal with stress, emotional management also

comes in the form of managing one’s mood (Aldwin and

Yancura, 2004). Many of the respondents shared similar

answers as to how music helps manage their mood, makes them

feel relaxed, and be calm. Participant J stated that: “When I

listen to music I feel energized, and I even listen to music while

doing my academic tasks.” Participant G also shared: “I listen

to music with upbeat vibes to make me feel energized when I

am doing chores, and sometimes I follow the beat or sing and it

makes me finish my work faster.” While Participant L said that:

“Music, especially mellow tunes, makes me feel relaxed”

Another from Participant S: “When I listen to music, I feel like

I am at peace of mind, and my stress levels go down.”


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Chapter III

 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This portion presents the summary of the findings, the conclusion

drawn from the study results, and the recommendations forwarded in the

analysis of the effects of music on the mental well-being of Grade 11 students.

Summary

The study aimed to determine the various factors that affected SHS

students when using music as a means to cope and relieve stress.

This study focused on how students use listening to music as an

emotional and cognitive function to help them deal with stress. The focus

group of informants are from the Grade 11 classes of the Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics strand under the Senior High School program

of Ilocos Sur National High School.

On the sources of stress, under the collective data gathered from the

informants, there are six identified sources of stress of SHS students. These

are namely: completion of tasks for academic requirements, getting along with

family members, managing their duties and responsibilities as a member of the

family, socializing with peers, significant events in their personal lives, and

other personal afflictions.

On the effects and benefits of music, under the collective data gathered

from the informants, they are grouped into three psychological functions of

musical listening. These are namely: self-awareness, social relatedness, and


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

mood regulation. The first function, self-awareness includes the use of music

as
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 20

a form of mediation of self-related thoughts, emotions and sentiments, and

escapism. The second function, social relatedness includes the use of music as

a means for social bonding and affiliation. The third function, mood regulation

includes the using music as a form of entertainment and mood management.

Conclusion

On the conduct of the study, the researchers have drawn the following

conclusions:

1. Listening to music allows students to develop indirect coping

strategies that focus on one’s emotional and mental well-being

to able to alleviate stress and prepare their state of well-being to

deal with the challenges they face.

2. Among the sources of stress identified by the participants of

this study from the perspective of adolescents, most of the

stress they experience come from the completion of tasks for

academic requirements, and getting along with the members of

their family.

3. As this study establishes that there is indeed an impact of music

to the adolescents’ way of thinking and feeling, the researchers

acknowledge that there are more factors revolving around these

concepts. Based on additional data gathered from participants,

it suggests that the different types or genres of music, the

meaning and message of the music, and the audience that the

music is intended to, also appears to have an effect towards the


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 21

reason behind the behavior of an individual who listens to

music within these dimensions.

Recommendation

Based on the foregoing findings during the conduct of this study, the

following suggestions were proposed:

1. People and institutions concerned with the mental well-being

of students and or adolescents should promote the use of music

as an indirect coping strategy, as well as develop and spread

awareness on how adolescents can maximize the effects and

healthy use of music.

2. The continuous support of parents and counselling figures

including teachers in the lives of adolescents are encouraged.

They should also make use of music to connect and relate with

these adolescents as a form of parenting and or counselling to

better establish ways to adapt and communicate. Furthermore,

as students do tasks for their academic requirements, one can

possibly enjoy working on them more when playing music as a

background. As well as listening to motivating, inspiring, or

uplifting music in between breaks as a form of recharging. In

addition to this, schools can also conduct music festivals, or

integrate music that the young students like into their programs

and activities.

3. The researchers also deem that there is a need to conduct more

studies on these dimensions on the factors affecting


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 22

adolescents’ behavior with regards to the music they listen to.

As such, other researchers should continue to explore and

expand this study for further essential data.


ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 23

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ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 27

APPENDICES
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 28

Appendix A

LETTER OF REQUEST
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 29
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 30

Appendix B

INFORMED CONSENT
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 31

Appendix C

INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What are the sources of stress in your life? As a teenager? As a student?


And as other aspects of your individual life?
2. How does music help you manage your stress?

Appendix D

SAMPLE TRANSCCRIPTION

Question: As a student/teenager what are your sources of stress?

Answer: Madami akong pinagmumulan ng stress gaya ng madaming


schoolworks at requirements ganon, tapos kasama na din yung research alam mo
naman, at tapos kapag deadline at nakakapresure din kase madaming gagawin at
personal problems na nakakaapekto din sakin sa online learning.

Sa family wala naman, tapos sa kaibigan yun kase sa kaibigan parang nagiging
toxic sila ganon, parang hindi na sila yung dati na nakilala mo parang nagiiba
yung ugali nila kaya minsan kinacutoff ko sila pero naiisip ko din yung
pinagsamahan namin kaya minsan kapag nagsosorry sila ayon pinapatawad ko
sila kase bakit hindi diba na bigyan sila ng pangalawang pagkakataon.

Question: Paano nakatulong sayo ang music sa pagharap mo sa stress?

Answer: Nakatutulong yung music sakin pampakalma para makayanan ang


stress. Kapag naiistress ako nakikinig ako ng music tapos pakiramdam ko ang
saya ko na, naboboost yung mood ko at yung energy ko tapos nagiging
motivated ako gumawa ng school works.

Question: Meron na bang time na ginamit mo yung music para makalimutan mo


ang nararamdaman mo?
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 32

Answer: Oo, tapos minsan din ginagamit ko yung music kapag sad ako parang
nakikinig ka ng malungkot na kanta tapos bigla nang lalabas ang emotion mo,
parang mas naproprocess mo yung emotion mo na yun.)

Question: Meron bang tine na like kapag nakikinig ka don sa mga sad music
parang mas lalong lumala pa yung nararamdaman mo or parang mas
dinagdagan?

Answer: Oo

Question: So para sayo nakakatulong parin ba yun?

Answer: Kase parang tinutulungan nya na maging sad ako lalo. Nagsesearch pa
nga ako ng sad song playlist kapag nalulungkot ako.

Questions: May time ba na yung kapag nakikinig ka tapos bigla bigla mong
marerealize na parang relate ka don sa kanta?

Answer: Oo minsan depende sa musika. Kapag sad ka mas nauunawaan mo


yung nilalaman ng lyrics ng kanta.)

Question: Sa tingin mo makakatulong yun sayo? Paano?

Answer: Oo nakakatulong din, nakakatulong na ilabas yung sama ng loob.)

Question: Sa part naman like kapag parang alam mo na may mga tao rin pala na
nakakaramdam or nakakaranas ng mga bagay na maaaring pinagdadaanan mo
rin?nakakatulong ba yun sayo?

Question: Di ko rin sure, kase naiisip mo din na marami din pala na


nakakarelate sakin. Siguro oo ,kase kapag inopen up mo sa iba tapos
nakakarelate sila suguro makakatulong din.
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 33

Appendix E

SAMPLE TRANSLATION

Question: As a student/teenager what are your sources of stress?

Answer: I have a lots of sources of stress, like lots of school works and
requirements, the ongoing research is also included, deadlines are also stressful,
it pressures me like a lot of things to do and personal problems also affects me in
online learning.

In the family, there’s nothing I am stress about, but when it comes to my friends
I feel like as time goes by I tend to discover their true colors and they become
toxic. They are no longer the ones I used to know. It seems like their behavior
becomes different, so sometimes I cut them off, but I also think about the ones
we had shared together so sometimes when they apologize like that I forgive
them, because why not give them give them a second chance, right?

Question: How does music help you manage your stress?

Answer: Music helps me calm down to cope up with my stress. When I’m
stressed, I listen to music and then I feel happy, it boosts my mood as well as my
energy, and then I became motivated to do school works.

Question: Was there a time when you used music in order to forget things?

Answer: Yes, I also use music sometimes when I’m sad, it’s like you’re
listening to sad songs and then suddenly your emotions come out, it seems like
you can process your emotions better.

Question: Was there a time when you listened to sad songs and your feelings
became heavier?

Answer: Yes

Question: Do you think that is helpful?

Answer: Yeah, because it seems to be helping me become sadder. I even search


for sad songs and playlists when I’m sad.

Question: Are there times when you are listening to a song, and you suddenly
realize that you can relate with the song?

Answer: Yes, sometimes it depends on the music. Like when you are sad you
understand better the content of the lyrics.
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 34

Question: Do you think that is helpful? How?

Answer: Yes it is helpful, it helps to release my pent-up emotions.

Question: When you are listening to a song, do you think about how you share
these emotions and experiences with others?

Answer: I’m not sure, because you would also think that there’s a lot of people
who are similar to me and relate to me. Maybe yes, when you open up to others
and they can relate to you maybe it also helps.

Appendix F

DOCUMENTATION
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 35
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 36
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 20

CURRICULUM VITAE
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 38

CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Profile

Name : JOHANNS GERARD P. FIGUERAS

Permanent Address : Lingsat, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur

Date of Birth : September 28, 2004

Civil Status : Single

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Jehovah’s Witnesses

Parents : Mr. Mark Anthony P. Figueras

Mrs. Michelle P. Caparas

Educational Background:

Elementary : University of Northern Philippines


Barangay Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
(2010-2015)

Pulo Elementary School


Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna
(2015-2017)

Secondary
Junior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School
Gomez Street, Barangay VII, Vigan City
(2017-2020)
With Honors

Senior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School


Gomez Street, Barangay VII, Vigan City
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics
First Semester, With Honors
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 39

CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Profile

Name : MARY ROSE B. RAGUINDIN


Permanent Address : Pantay Fatima, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Date of Birth : May 31, 2005

Civil Status : Single

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Roman Catholic

Parents : Mr. Rodrigo B. Raguindin

Mrs. Paulina B. Raguindin

Educational Background:

Elementary : Pantay Elementary School


Barangay Pantay Fatima, Vigan City,
Ilocos Sur
(2010-2017)
Secondary
Junior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School
Gomez St, Brgy VII, Vigan City
With Honors

Senior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School


Gomez St, Brgy VII, Vigan City
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics
First Semester, With Honors
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 1

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