STRESS AMONG TEENAGERS:

ITS CAUSES AND EFFECTS

In partial fulfillment of the

Requirements in English 10

A Research Report Presented To:

Mrs. Divine T. Bolarde
English Teacher

Presented by:
Neil Miranda
Maria Crestina Perea
Jenny Gaite
Justine Kyle Tomaquin

X-Kakawati
February 22, 2019
 Table of Contents
I. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………2
 Background information ………………………………………………………………2

 Objects of the study……………………………………………………………………3

 Significance of the study………………………………………………………………3

 Related Literature……………………………………………………………………...3

II. Body...................................................................................................................................4
 Definition of Stress.........................................................................................................4

 Common Causes of Stress among teenagers..................................................................4

 Effects of Stress to teenager’s life..................................................................................5

 Ways in Preventing stress...............................................................................................9

III. Conclusion........................................................................................................................11

IV. Bibliography.....................................................................................................................12

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 Chapter I
INTRODUCTON
This study and as well as the aim is about the factors that causes stress and the
impacts it has on students’ performance and some possible management techniques. The
main objectives were to ascertain or identify the extent to which stress affects students’
academic success, health and general lifestyle, as well as to inquire and bring to light
measures to counteract the effects of existing stress in students. The possible limitation of this
thesis is the collection of primary source of data due to the population size of the case study
which is the Bulihan National Highschool and time factor. The delimitation on the other hand
will be the focus on the students in Bulihan National Highschool.

Background Information
The very mention of the word ‘stress' brings thoughts such as increased rate of
depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and other potentially life-threatening issues to
one's mind. Oftentimes, a student rushes from one end of school to the other, trying to make
their next class on time. Since classes are scheduled back-to-back, there is less or no time to
even eat. Take, for instance, it is three o'clock and a student is extremely hungry. This week,
they have got three mid-semester examinations to study for, and a backlog of 300 pages to
read. They are meeting with a study group tonight to finish studies on a rushed research
presentation. Too bad they have also got three other assignments due tomorrow, so it looks
like they will not be getting much sleep tonight.
The fact is indisputable that, having the above introductory paragraph as a schedule,
in reality, will certainly make a student be tensed up. Yet, those are the hectic routines we
experience as students these days. We feel lost, overwhelmed, frozen, or unable to cope when
confronted with so many tasks. Busy schedules crammed with studies, study, and
extracurricular activities can take a toll on student’s physical and mental health, especially if
one is not eating or sleeping properly. If untreated, these stressors can compound over time,
leading to even greater levels of stress.
It is also worth noting that stress is an inevitable part of student-life; as it takes a toll
on most students' physical health, emotional wellbeing, and academic performance. The rise
of this pandemic in students is on account of factors such as the somewhat sudden change in
lifestyle, increased study load, new responsibilities among others. Extreme levels of stress
can hinder studies effectiveness and lead to poor academic performance and attrition. It goes
on to affirm that, students who experienced stressful life events also reported worse health
outcomes and reduced quality of life.
Even as we delve into the core of the subject matter, ample attention needs to be
accorded the proposal that, introducing successful coping strategies may help students to
avoid the destructive consequences of excessive stress.

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 Objectives of the Study
This study aims to answer the following question:
1. What is Stress?
2. Why do teenagers suffer from stress?
3. How does stress affects teenagers’ lives?
4. How to prevent stress?

Significance of the study

The outcome of the study will provide the basis for enhancing the general adoption of
a new, positive approach to student life, thereby; ensuring academic and life success. This
study is beneficial to all readers specifically the teenagers because it helps those teenagers
whose suffering with stress on how to deal on their own by finding out the most effective
ways according to surveys. This study also provides insights of the teenagers that are being
stressed.
Related Literature
Here are various foreign and local studies related to the study
Foreign
According to Lazarus (1993) contended that the extent to which individuals
experience stress is determined by their subjective evaluations of their experiences.
Therefore, if individuals appraise an event as traumatic, they will experience more stress
from the experience than will individuals who appraise the event as nonsignificant.
Researchers (e.g., Bartle-Haring, Rosen, & Stith, 2002; Ferrer-Wreder, Lorente,
Kurtines, Briones, Bussell, Berman, & Arrufat, 2002) have noted the importance of
reducing stress by helping youth develop positive perceptions of the self in order to avoid
catastrophic socio-emotional outcomes such as suicidal behavior. Indeed, exposure to stress
by youth has been linked to severe emotional and psychological problems (Bartle-Haring,
Rosen, & Stith, 2002; Gonzales, Tein, Sandier, & Friedman, 2001), a known
precursor to suicide (Teen suicide, 1998).
Local
According to Lifestyles.mb.ph, college students tend to have the most stressed
teenagers because lots of schoolwork is given to them by their professors and teachers.
Contrary to what most adults think (that all they really worry about is what to wear in their
next music fest) most college students worry about real-world problems and feel pressure
from everyone and everywhere. College students are often caught between wanting to stay a
care-free kid and adulating by taking on more responsibilities. In fact, a research titled
Stressors and Stress Responses of Filipino College Students conducted by a team of students
from the University of the Philippines found the top five main stressors of Filipino college
students. This list includes “academic difficulty of subject matter, workload due to subjects,
time management because of subjects, responsibilities due to being on one’s own, and time
management because of both subjects and organizations.”

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 Chapter II
BODY
This chapter present the analysis of data gathered.
Definition of Stress
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to changes and challenges. We experience stress
when we play sports, when there are deadlines to meet, when we get sick, during tough
exams at school, or when there is relationship stress with family or friends. Stress is a natural
and important part of life, but too much of it can be overwhelming and even damaging to our
health. We all react to stress in different ways.
Although stress can help us be more alert and prepared when we need to be, it can
also cause emotional and physical distress. When under a lot of stress, we might experience
feelings such as frustration, sadness, anger, and nervousness. Physical reactions like fast
heartbeat, sweating, headaches, or stomachaches can occur as well.
Common Causes of Stress among Teenagers
As a teenager, there is a lot to be stressed about. At school, there are heavy homework
loads, tests that require lots of studying, college applications, and sometimes even changing
schools. Stressful issues at home can include parents’ expectations, loss of loved ones, and
dealing with siblings. Teens must also face bodily changes during puberty, peer pressure, and
changes in relationships. With so much going on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When stress
builds up and isn’t dealt within a healthy way, it can diminish a person’s energy, compromise
the immune system, and lead to anxiety problems.
Usual Causes of Stress

1% Usual Causes of Stress

5% Studies Issues
13%
Financial Issues
48%
Family Issues

Friends Issues
33%

Others

Figure 1: Usual Causes of Stress among Teenagers

Based on our survey (Figure 1), 48% teenagers that answered the survey are having
stress because of studies and school works. Unstable financial status also makes them
stressed as answered by 33% of the teenagers. Family issues are answered by the 13% of
teenagers. Friend and other issues are answered by 5% and 1%, respectively.

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School Stressors

School Stressors
0% 4% 0%
Schoolwork
10%
Parent/teacher/school expectations

Student expectations

I am not stress at school

86%
Others

Figure 2: School Stressors among Teenagers

Among 30 participants, 25 of them say that they are stressed in school because of
school works. Only 3 people say they are stressed because of parent/teacher/school
expectation and 2 people are not stressed.

Effects of Stress to Teenager’s Life

There are 5 aspects of our life that is affected by stress. These life aspects are:
Behavior, Psychological/Emotional, Physical, Cognitive, and Social. We asked several
teenagers in which aspect their life had been the most affected by stress.

Most Affected Aspect

7%
Behavior
13%
36% Psychological/Emotional

Physical
17%
Cognitive

Social
27%

Figure 3: Most Affected Aspect of Stress in Life among Teenagers

As the graph says, the most affected aspect on teenagers’ life by stress is the
behavioral aspect. This aspect says a lot about our attitude, traits, and character. And when
stress strike through this aspect, it affects our activity levels, efficiency and effectiveness,
communication, emotions, and even our habits.

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Behavioral Effects

0%
Behavioral Effects
Change in activity levels
11%
Decreased efficiency and effectiveness
7% 30% Difficulty in communication

11% Irritability, outbursts or anger, frequent arguments

Inability to rest, relax or let down

Changes in eating habits/sleep patterns

17% 11%
Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sugar or
13% caffeine
Others

Figure 4: Behavioral effects of Stress among Teenagers

Research suggests that it's best to avoid making important choices when you're feeling
stressed. That's because you tend to overemphasize the potential positive outcomes of your
decision, while underemphasizing the negative. You're likely already aware that you're less
exciting to be around when you're stressed out. When you're under stress, you're likely to fall
back into old patterns instead of changing your behavior to achieve specific goals. A recent
study found that people with high levels of the hormones testosterone and cortisol were more
likely to cheat on a math test. Moreover, the study also found that people who cheated
exhibited decreased cortisol levels, meaning cheating may have been a way to relieve some
of their stress symptoms. Stress makes us want rewards more than usual — even though the
pleasure we experience from getting those rewards isn't any greater.

Effects on Emotional Processing

3% Psychological/Emotional Effects
11% Denial
11%
Anxiety/ Fear
13%
13% Irritability/Anger

Sadness, Moodiness, Grief or Depression

Feeling overwhelmed, Helpless or Hopeless

22%
27% Feeling isolated, lost, lonely or abandoned

Others

Figure 5: Psychological/Emotional Effects of Stress among Teenagers

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 When hit with stress, the brain's amygdala was found to be more activated, making
teens more sensitive to negative expressions than positive ones. The amygdala is an almond-
shaped section of nervous tissue located in the temporal lobe of the brain. There are two
amygdalae per person normally, with one amygdala on each side of the brain. They are
thought to be a part of the limbic system within the brain, which is responsible for emotions,
survival instincts, and memory. But, there have been many strong debates on the subject, in
which many believe the amygdala functions independently of the limbic system.
Physical Effects

Physical Effects
Increased heart rate and respirations/increased blood
2% 4% 11%
7% Stomachache, nausea, diarrhea
6%
9% Sweating or chills
Headaches
11%
Tremors or muscle twitching/sore or aching muscles
17% Fatigue that does not improve with sleep
Change in sexual desire or response
33%
Flare up of allergies, asthma or arthritis
Others

Figure 6: Physical Effects of Stress among Teenagers

Stress can trigger the body’s response to perceived threat or danger, the Fight-or-
Flight response. During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are
released, speeding the heart rate, slowing digestion, shunting blood flow to major muscle
groups, and changing various other autonomic nervous functions, giving the body a burst of
energy and strength. Originally named for its ability to enable us to physically fight or run
away when faced with danger, it’s now activated in situations where neither response is
appropriate, like in traffic or during a stressful day at work.
Effects on Cognitive Functions

Cognitive Effects
5% Memory problems/forgetfulness
7% 16%
Disorientation/confusion

Slowness in thinking, analyzing or

comprehending
21% Difficulty in concentrating
35%
Inability to stop thinking about a disaster or an
accident
16% Others

Figure 7: Cognitive Effects of Stress among Teenagers

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 The area of the brain that is the most affected is the prefrontal cortex. The
grey matter includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control, and sensory perception
such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions, speech, decision making, and self-control.
When attacked with waves of stress, the grey matter volume in the brain reduces. Grey matter
is a major component of the central nervous system, consisting of neuronal cell bodies,
neuropil, glial cells, synapses, and capillaries. It is present in the brain, brainstem and
cerebellum, and present throughout the spinal cord. With a reduction on its volume, the
muscle control and sensory perception can weaken or numb.

Social Effects

Social Effects
Withdrawing or isolating from people
4% 11%
Difficulty in listening
20%
Difficulties on engaging in a mutual problem
20% solving
Blaming
11% Criticizing

Impatient or disrespectful to others

18%
16%
Others

Figure 8: Social Effects of Stress among Teenagers

Social support seems to affect our balance of hormones. Adequate amounts of social
support are associated with increases in levels of a hormone called oxytocin, which functions
to decrease anxiety levels and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system calming down
responses. Oxytocin also stimulates our desire to seek out social contact and increases our
sense of attachment to people who are important to us. Stressed people who have adequate
levels of social support receive an oxytocin boost which helps them feel less anxious, more
confident in their ability to cope, and more drawn to other people (thus perpetuating the
positive cycle of social support).

Chronic Stress
Long term stress, also known as chronic stress, can lead to the risk of obtaining:
 Depressive, mood, anxiety disorders
 Substance abuse
 Bodily diseases
 Weaker immune system
 Adrenal burnout
 Fatigue (less or more sleep)

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 Ways in preventing stress

Personal Methods to Relieve Stress

Personal Methods to Relieve Stress

5% Eating
16%
Sleeping
25% Drinking alcohol

Sports/exercise
23%
Talking with someone
12%
Computer games/social media
8%
11% Others

Figure 9: Personal Methods to Relieve Stress among Teenagers

Eating
A recent study suggests that eating while you are stressed can make feel relieved even
though you aren’t hungry. Eating can relax our mind because while we are chewing, our
mind tend to rest and focus more onto what we are eating than thinking about our problems
or worries. The type of impulsivity that prompts you to stuff yourself with sugary cereal after
a stressful day is a result of emotional hunger, said Rachel Goldman, a psychologist
specializing in health and disordered eating. We can experience emotional hunger when we're
stressed, sad or angry, often leading to eating because of those emotions.

Sleeping/Resting
A lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Unfortunately though, stress also
interrupts our sleep as thoughts keep whirling through our heads, stopping us from relaxing
enough to fall asleep. Rather than relying on medication, your aim should be to maximize
your relaxation before going to sleep. Make sure that your bedroom is a tranquil oasis with
no reminders of the things that cause you stress. Avoid caffeine during the evening, as well
as excessive alcohol if you know that this leads to disturbed sleep. Stop doing any mentally
demanding work several hours before going to bed so that you give your brain time to calm
down. Try taking a warm bath or reading a calming, undemanding book for a few minutes to
relax your body, tire your eyes and help you forget about the things that worry you.

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Drinking alcohol
There's some truth to the idea that alcohol can reduce stress. Alcohol is a sedative and
a depressant that affects the central nervous system. At first, drinking can reduce fears and
take your mind off of your troubles. It can help you feel less shy, give you a boost in mood,
and make you feel generally relaxed.
Sports/exercise
Stressful situations increase the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and
cortisol in your body. These are the “fight or flight” hormones that evolution has hard-wired
into our brains and which are designed to protect us from immediate bodily harm when we
are under threat. However, stress in the modern age is rarely remedied by a fight or flight
response, and so physical exercise can be used as a surrogate to metabolize the excessive
stress hormones and restore your body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state. When you
feel stressed and tense, go for a brisk walk in fresh air. Try to incorporate some physical
activity into your daily routine on a regular basis, either before or after work, or at lunchtime.
Regular physical activity will also improve the quality of your sleep.
Talking with someone
Just talking to someone about how you feel can be helpful. Talking can work
by either distracting you from your stressful thoughts or releasing some of the built-up
tension by discussing it. Stress can cloud your judgment and prevent you from seeing things
clearly. Talking things through with a friend, work colleague, or even a trained professional,
can help you find solutions to your stress and put your problems into perspective.
Computer games/social media
Playing videogames has become a key strategy for coping with stress, a study of
millennial gamers has revealed. Researchers who quizzed 1,000 gamers on their attitudes to
gaming found 55 per cent play videogames because it helps them to unwind and relieve
stress. And 47 per cent think performing well in a game has a positive impact on their lives
outside of the screen, allowing them to look upon other aspects of their lives more positively.
And half said they see the value in gaming as a method of escapism to help them deal with
daily work pressures.
Other Techniques in Relieving Stress
Each day, try to relax with a stress reduction technique. There are many tried and
tested ways to reduce stress so try a few and see what works best for you. For example, try
self-hypnosis which is very easy and can be done anywhere, even at your desk or in the car.
One very simple technique is to focus on a word or phrase that has a positive meaning to you.
Words such as "calm" "love" and "peace" work well, or you could think of a self-affirming
mantra such as “I deserve calm in my life” or “Grant me serenity”. Focus on your chosen
word or phrase; if you find your mind has wandered or you become aware of intrusive
thoughts entering your mind, simply disregard them and return your focus to the chosen word
or phrase. If you find yourself becoming tense again later, simply silently repeat your word or
phrase. Don't worry if you find it difficult to relax at first. Relaxation is a skill that needs to
be learned and will improve with practice.

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 Chapter III
CONCLUSION
This chapter presents the summary of findings and recommendation based on the study

In all, data were collected from a group of students who were from the Bulihan
National Highschool, there are five aspect of life namely, behavioral aspect, psychological/
emotional aspect, physical aspect, cognitive/mental aspect and lastly, social aspect. The most
affected aspect of life among these aspects are the behavioral aspect. Also, most teenagers are
stressed because of school works. In Behavioral aspect, teenagers tend to change their
activity levels. In Emotional/Psychological aspect, teenagers feel sadness, moodiness, grief
or/and depression. In Physical aspect, most teenagers feel headaches. In Cognitive aspect,
teenagers mostly find difficulty in concentrating onto something they think about. And lastly,
in Social aspect, teenagers find it difficult when listening to others and also impatient or
disrespectful to other people. The results show that stress affects the overall life aspects of
teenagers.
Due to the negative impact of stress on teenager’s life, there’s also some personal
methods to relieve their stressors. The most effective way to relieve their stress by sleeping
and using computer games or social media. This is done by identifying the main causes of
stress which includes changes in lifestyle, increased workload, new responsibilities, and
interpersonal relationships and finding the appropriate remedy. A lot of research have been
done on stress and it management and pragmatic solutions given and we hope that, based on
the analysis made, this thesis will be of great help in helping teenagers to have an excellent
and healthy life.

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 IV. Bibliography

Chandra, Anita, and Ameena Batada. “Exploring stress and coping among urban African
American adolescents: the Shifting the Lens study.” CDC.gov. N.p., 25 Oct 2011. Web. 26
Jan 2012. www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/ 2006/apr/05_0174.htm

“Dealing With Stress – Ten Tips” Skills you need . Helping You to Develop Life Skills.
Web. 5, Dec. 2018 https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/stress-tips.html

“Helping Teenagers With Stress.” AACAP.org. American Academy of Child Adolescent

Psychiatry, n.d. Web. 26 Jan
2012.www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/helping_teenagers_with_stress

Lyness, D’Arcy, ed. “Stress.” Kids Health. The Nemours Foundation, Aug 2010. Web. 26
Jan 2012. kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html

Smith, Melinda, and Robert Segal. “Stress Management.” Helpguide.org. Helpguide.org, Dec
2010. Web. 26 Jan 2012. www.helpguide.org/mental/ stress_management_relief_coping.htm

“Teen Stress.” mindspring.com. Wholistic Stress Control Institute, n.d. Web. 26 Jan 2012.
www.mindspring.com/~wholistic/teens_stress.html

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