COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC: EXAMINING

THE MENTAL HEALTH OF GRADE 12 STUDENTS OF

MAGPAPALAYOK NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL.

 INTRODUCTION

You may follow the Deficiencies model below in writing the research introduction 

Background of the Study

Coping is defined as the thoughts and behaviors mobilized to manage internal and external

stressful situations. It is a term used distinctively for conscious and voluntary mobilization of

acts, different from ‘defense mechanisms’ that are subconscious or unconscious adaptive

responses, both of which aim to reduce or tolerate stress. (Provide citation pls)
When individuals are subjected to a stressor, the varying ways of dealing with it are termed

‘coping styles,’ which are a set of relatively stable traits that determine the individual’s behavior

in response to stress. These are consistent over time and across situations. Generally, coping is

divided into reactive coping (a reaction following the stressor) and proactive coping (aiming to

neutralize future stressors). Proactive individuals excel in stable environments because they are

more routinized, rigid, and are less reactive to stressors, while reactive individuals perform better

in a more variable environment.

Coping scales measure the type of coping mechanism a person exhibits. The most commonly

used scales are COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced), Ways of Coping

Questionnaire, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations,

Religious-COPE, and Coping Response Inventory.

Coping is generally categorized into four major categories which are : ( Instead of presenting the

part below by the number such as 1-4 use the narrative form. )

1. Problem-focused, which addresses the problem causing the distress: Examples of this

style include active coping, planning, restraint coping, and suppression of competing

activities.

2. Emotion-focused, which aims to reduce the negative emotions associated with the

problem: Examples of this style include positive reframing, acceptance, turning to

religion, and humor.

 3. Meaning-focused, in which an individual uses cognitive strategies to derive and manage

the meaning of the situation.

4. Social coping (support-seeking) in which an individual reduces stress by seeking

emotional or instrumental support from their community. (Algorani EB, Gupta V. Coping

Mechanisms.)

Insert a paragraph/s of the studies that have addressed the problem on this part followed

another paragraph/s on the deficiencies in the study , the next paragrapgh/s is the importance

of your study to the audience

On March 12, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

The scale and unpredictability of this global event may bring up experiences of uncertainty and

danger, which can evoke feelings of shock, confusion, frustration, and worry. As nations around

the globe continue their battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that people in

some regions will experience repeated lockdown or quarantine periods. If this unfortunate reality

is to be faced and endured, it is important that mental health providers are armed with accurate

information about how to help the public survive these periods of isolation and inactivity with

minimal psychological impact. When lockdown procedures began, protection of physical health

was the top priority, but those familiar with the impact of phenomena like isolation, loneliness,

and unemployment on mental health braced for an additional threat. (Blevins CA ,2020)

Place your last paragraph here which should be the reasons / purpose for conducting the study
Statement of The Problem

Provide the general statement of the problem here

Specifically, this study aims to examine the mental health of Grade 12 students of Magpapalayok

National High School. The result of the study will serve as a basis of how students should cope

during the pandemic.

1. What is the Profile of the Grade 12 Students according to :

1.1. Age :

1.2. Gender :

1.3. Strand:

2. What are the coping strategies that Grade 12 students employed during the pandemic ?

2.1. Problem-focused :

2.2. Emotion-focused :

2.3. Meaning-focused :

2.4. Social Coping :

3. How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect the mental health of the grade 12 students ?

4. How did the online classes or modular classes affected the coping strategies of grade 12

students ?
 5. What are the major problems that the grade 12 students faced during the pandemic ?

5.1. How did the grade 12 students cope with it ?

Significance of the Study

This study provides significant contribution to all the person who will read this study. Also, the

future outcome of this research will be convenient to the students in proper using of Coping

Strategies.

PARENTS

The result of the study will give Parents some knowledge on how their children is dealing and

coping with the Pandemic. This study too will give them proper guide on how to be there as a

coping mechanism for their children.

STUDENTS

The result of the study will give Students a deeper understanding on how important it is to have a

proper coping mechanism in times of troubles.

TEACHERS
The result of the study will give Teachers some guides on how to communicate effectively with

Students. And have a better understanding of what the Students are dealing during the pandemic.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Local Literature

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological and emotional impact is also

evident. Its emergence and spread create a lot of concern for people leading to increased levels of

anxiety (Roy et al., 2020). COVID-19 crisis has also made an impact on the context of Philippine

Education. Classes were postponed due to lockdown. The majority of colleges and universities

also faced current challenges with virtual learning (Talidong & Toquero, 2020). In particular,

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are prompted to establish management approaches

regarding pandemics to encourage positive health behavior among students (Akan et al., 2010).

Foreign Literature

According to a research article ; Babicka-Wirkus A, Wirkus L, Stasiak K, Kozłowski P

(2021) University students’ strategies of coping with stress during the coronavirus

pandemic: Data from Poland. , The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the functioning of

universities worldwide. In Poland, the transfer to online teaching was announced without prior

warning, which radically changed students’ daily functioning. This situation clearly showed the

students’ helplessness and difficulties with coping with this new, stressful situation, highlighted
in many previous studies. A sudden and far-reaching change in daily functioning caused anxiety,

depression, and stress in this group. Thus, from a pedagogical and psychological point of view, it

is pertinent to examine the students’ strategies of coping with stress caused by the COVID-19

pandemic.

According to an article : National Association of School Psychologists. (2017). Care for the

caregiver: guidelines for administrators and crisis teams. [handout]. Bethesda, MD:

Author., The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis unlike any our country has faced before. Unlike

other events, the pandemic is affecting every community in some way. The constantly evolving

situation may create significant stress and uncertainty—not only for children and youth, but also

for those charged with caring for those students at home and in educational and mental health

contexts. The unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of this crisis creates anxiety and a sense of

helplessness. Leaders can support themselves and others more effectively by understanding what

puts individuals at higher risk for traumatic stress, as well as stress mediation strategies. When

administrators, educators, and mental health staff engage in self-care activities that help promote

a sense of safety and security, it strengthens the entire educational system and can lead to better

outcomes for children and adults alike.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The research study aims to examine the coping mechanisms used by grade 12 students of

Magpapalayok National High School during the pandemic. The result of the study will serve as a

basis of proper use of coping strategies.

The data collection will be conducted to 30 Grade 12 senior high students of Magpapalayok

National High School during the year 2022-2023. The study will be done through the utilization

of questionnaire to the students as a survey and a reference.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Profile of the Grade 12 1. Data collection of Grade 12
Students according to: students profiles.
Coping mechanisms of
a.) Gender 2. Administering Grade 12 Students of
b.) Age questionnaires. Magpapalayok National
High School during the
c.) Strand 3. Organization of Students
pandemic.
response.

What Strategies of coping 4. Statistical analysis of data.

does the grade 12
students used during the
pandemic:
a.) Problem-focused:
b.) Emotion-focused:
c.) Meaning-focused:
d.) Social coping:
DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following words are defined conceptually that are based on legit and trusted sources.

Coping refers to conscious strategies used to reduce unpleasant emotions. Coping strategies can

be cognitions or behaviours and can be individual or social. (Wikipedia, 2022).

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of

life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an

integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities

to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.

(World Health Organization, 2022).

Pandemic-occurring over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and

typically affecting a significant proportion of the population. (Merriam-Webster,1666).

A Quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals and goods which is intended

to prevent the spread of disease or pests. (Wikipedia, 2022)