Resilience in Adversity: Working Students’ Narratives of Coping with Stress and Maintaining Mental Health
Arcilla, Jharra Loriefhel1, Cosme, Rheanna Mae2, Gabitan,Cielo3,
Lat, Alea Joy4, Liwana, Warren5
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2570-56741,https://orcid.org/ 0009-0002-4420-52032, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8245-05623, https://orcid.org/ 0009-0009-8859-65184, https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6572-58375
warren.liwana@ub.edu.ph1, 2420915@ub.edu.ph2, 2421016@ub.edu.ph3
2421325@ub.edu.ph4, 2421348@ub.edu.ph5
University of Batangas, Lipa City1-5
Marauoy, Leviste Highway, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54476/ioer-imrj/035958
ABSTRACT
This research study investigates the resilience and coping strategies of working students who balance both academic and employment responsibilities. Conducted at the University of Batangas Lipa Campus, the research employed a qualitative phenomenological research design to capture the lived experiences of working students. The researcher used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with six purposely selected participants. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: first, psychological struggles, including stress, emotional exhaustion, role conflict, and challenges in managing academic deadlines and work tasks; second, work–life balance strategies,
such as effective time management, prioritization of tasks, micro-breaks, planning, and self-regulation; and third, resilience and motivation, which emerged from internal determination, family and peer support, spiritual practices, and long-term goal orientation. The study found that, despite significant stressors, working students develop adaptive mechanisms to maintain their mental health and academic performance. Resilience was identified as a dynamic process shaped by both personal coping strategies and external support systems. The findings highlight the importance of institutional interventions, flexible academic policies, counseling services, and understanding workplace environments to empower working students. This research contributes to the understanding of how working students navigate complex responsibilities and offers practical recommendations to enhance their well-being, academic success, and sustained motivation. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive support to foster resilience and work–study balance among student workers.
Keywords: Coping, Phenomenological, Qualitative, Resilience, Stress, Working students
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