SPORTS AS A STRESS COPING MECHANISM IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65009/xm1x9k70Keywords:
Sports, Stress Coping Mechanism, Academic Performance, high school students,,Abstract
This study examines the influence of sports participation as a stress coping mechanism on the
academic performance of high school students. In contemporary educational settings,
students face increasing academic pressure, which often leads to elevated stress levels that
can negatively impact both mental well-being and academic outcomes. This research aims to
explore whether involvement in sports can serve as an effective strategy to manage academic
stress and enhance performance. The study focuses on students in classes IX and X, utilizing
a sample of 100 participants from selected government schools. A comparative and
correlational research design is employed to analyze differences in stress levels, coping
mechanisms, and academic performance between students who participate in sports and those
who do not. Data are collected using self-report measures assessing academic stress, coping
strategies, and academic achievement. The study hypothesizes that sports participation is
associated with lower stress levels, more effective coping mechanisms, and improved
academic performance. Findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of the
psychological and educational benefits of sports, emphasizing its role in promoting holistic
student development. The results may provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers,
and parents to integrate structured physical activities into academic environments as a means
of enhancing both mental health and academic success.
References
Akabar, S. M., Ashutosh, k., &Abid, A.(2008). Academic stress and adjustment among high
school students. Indian journal of health and well-being ,2(1), 224-226.
Bullon, J., Bueno, M.,& Vos Saz, X.(2017)).The influence of sports participation on
academic performance among students in higher education. Sport management
review,20(4), 365-378.
Decamps, G., Boujut, E.,& Brisset, C. (2012). Students sport practice and its relations with
stress, coping strategies, and academic success. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 104.
Dolenc, P. (2015). Anxitey, self esteem and coping with stress in secondary school students
in relation to involvement in organized sports. Solvenian journal of public health , 54
(3),222.
Ghatol, S.G. (2017). Academic stress among higher secondary school students. International
journal of research in commerce, economic & management, 7(10), 1-4.
He,Q., Chen, H., & Cui, X.(2024). The effects of psychological stress and anxiety on
academic achievement in athletes :strategies for effective coping. Frontiers in
psychology, 15, article 1324567.
Husian, A. A., Samsudin, T.K., & Afwan, F. (2025). A systematic literature review on the
impact of participation in sports and physical activities on psychological resilience.
Jurnal of sports science and medicine, 24(1), 1-10.
Jhosele. (2020). Academic stress, academic motivation , and its relationship on the academic
performance of the senior high school students. Asian journal of multidisciplinary studies
, 8 (11), 29-37.
Li., Shi, ., & Goa,. (2024). The way to relieve collage students academic stress. The
influence mechanism of sports interest and sports atmosphere. BMC Psychology,12, 372.
Nguri,N. (2024). Effects of sports participants on academic performance in adolescents.
American journal of recreation and sports, 3 (10), 12-23.
Nopembri,S., Sugiyama, K., & Rithaudin. (2019).Improving stress coping and problem
solving skills of children in disaster- prone area through cooperative physical education
and sports lesson. Journal of human sports and exercise,14(10), 185-194.
Ogundiran, G.B., Oyeyinka, A.J., Garba, I., Akpan, D., & Akintunde, A.T.(2024). Coping
mechanism and their effectiveness in mitigating academic stress in students engaging in
anaerobic exercise. International journal of medical evaluation and physical report,8(6),
-212.
Shaikh, B. T., Kahloon, A., Kazmi, M., &Nawaz, I. (2004). Students, stress and coping
strategies: A case of Pakistan medical school.
Yonet, B.(2016). Investigation of sports high school students coping with stress levels.
Yusuf, Y., & Borjac, A.(2023). Physical activity and sports performance among Ethiopian
university students: The moderating role of self- esteem and mediating effect of stress.
Journal of sport psychology,32(30,177-190.

