ADDRESSING THE ANXIETY OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN STA. TERESITA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The threat of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) is not solely focused on one’s physical health, it has also affected one’s mental health. Studies suggest that COVID-19 led to a heightened level of anxiety (Racine et al., 2021). This study attempted to assess the level of general anxiety, the anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and academic-related anxiety of the junior high school students of Sta. Teresita National High School for the school year 2020-2021. An online survey was conducted utilizing the General Anxiety Disorder -7 (GAD-7) screening tool together with questions on COVID-19 and academic-related anxiety. The respondents of the study were 290 junior high school students, which were selected randomly from the total population of 1,179. The study showed that 53% of the male students experience only Minimal Anxiety, while 38% of the female students experience Mild Anxiety. Additionally, the data showed that the majority of the students (54.25%) have experienced an increase in anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It can also be noted that 44.14% stated that they were having difficulty adapting to the Modular (Printed) Distance Learning, 43.10% expressed difficulties in answering the Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) and 48.62% affirmed that they experience difficulty in concentrating on their lessons. To address the anxiety of the junior high school students, the proponents recommend the utilization of Project EASED (Easing Academic Stress Experienced During pandemic) to control the anxiety of the students through Art activities.