Perceived Stress and Well-Being of Young Adult Learners: Basis for Comprehensive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programs

Abstract

Understanding the phenomenon of perceived stress and well-being among young adult learners in post-pandemic settings was presented in this study as the foundation for developing culturally sensitive action plans on comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support programs for recommendation as school guidance office activities. The researchers encouraged young adult learners who may be suffering from many issues and stressors to find courage, challenge their status quo, and not only become well-rounded but contribute to the de-stigmatization of any mental health problem and understand that prevention is always better than cure. The researchers employed quantitative research with a descriptive approach. Using stratified random sampling techniques, the researchers surveyed 327 young adult learners aged 18 to 24 years old and above, with 52% males and 48% females as a sample size drawn from a total population of 1,790 college students across all programs in Bestlink College of the Philippines—Bulacan Inc. The study revealed that among the common symptoms of stress for young adult learners, mental or cognitive symptoms, which include difficulty concentrating, feelings of helplessness, disorganized thoughts, anxiety, and low self-esteem, were the most pervasive compared to physical and behavioral symptoms. School activities and workloads, including academic stress and finishing education, choosing a career, feeling isolated, time management, and deadlines, were deemed the most common stressors, followed by financial issues, a lack of resources, home situations, and family relationships. While socializing, connecting, or interacting with others, which includes initiating interactions with friends and family, being friends with neighbors, joining groups and classes of interest, and going online to meet new friends, were recognized as the most effective coping mechanisms against stress, followed by the pleasures of music and art, and this is where most recommendations are rooted from. The researchers developed action plans for peer-to-peer talk therapy, which can be delivered as stress debriefing in one-on-one or group sessions, incorporating comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support programs appropriate for young adult learners, and launching Psychology Society Week, a week-long educational and fun-filled activity. Finally, the introduction of an online psychology app called YAKAPWA.