FACTORS AFFECTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS AT TARLAC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL: A DESCRIPTIVE

STUDY

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A Thesis Proposal Presented to

The Faculty of the Senior High School Department
Humanities and Social Sciences
Tarlac National High School
Tarlac City

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In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Applied Subject
Practical Research II

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By

An-rafie M. Ampaso
Marla Joy B. Sagun
Sheena Mae Dimatulac
Angela Fritzhi B. Guzman
Ailene M. Belinde
Charles Lesther M. Baldo
Raymond G. Arcangel
Cattrielle Hyacinth C. Pescasio

October 2024
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Over the years the number of people with mental health issues is

rising over the time, as of 2019, has reached a record high of approximately 970 million

people globally were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression the most

common. a variety of factors influence mental health, such as socioeconomic disparities,

psycho-social stressors, and geopolitical determinants, have an impact on mental health

globally.

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being as it impacts every

aspect of a person's life. As stated by the World Health According to Organization

(2004), mental health is a condition. of well-being where people have a clear

comprehension of their own skills, are able to manage the demands of everyday life, do

well at their jobs or academics, and contribute significantly to society.

About 4.2 million people suffer from a variety of mental health

conditions, according to Malaysia Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad (Carvalho,

Sivananda & Shagar, 2018). However, according to a 2015 Ministry of Health Malaysia

study, roughly 29.2 percent of adults over 16 suffer from mental health problems. The

rise in mental illnesses among teenagers is depicted in this figure. This is a concerning

situation, and if this number continues to rise, we might encounter some major issues

where a future leader who is unstable will lead us.

 Furthermore Hunt and Einsenberg (2010) state that while

epidemiology of health issues among college students is fairly common, it is still

unknown what exactly causes students to experience mental health issues. One of the

main reasons why students' mental health issues are getting worse is ignorance about

mental health. Researchers (Khan, Sulaiman, & Hassali, 2010) also found that students

who have been depressed have the right information about depression symptoms and

treatments. As a result, it is evident that the majority of students who possess the

necessary knowledge about mental health have gone through it themselves, which is

deemed detrimental to future generations.

These days, when we think of mental health, we think of the things

that influence it, whether positively or negatively. The mental health of individuals can

be influenced by a variety of factors that encompass both internal and external elements.

Internal factors may include biological predispositions, genetic factors, personality traits,

and coping mechanisms, while external factors could consist of social support, family

dynamics, school environment, socioeconomic status. How we think, feel, and behave in

response to various circumstances, opportunities, and challenges throughout our lives is

influenced by our biology and life experiences.

Our mental health is impacted by a variety of experiences, including

how we are treated by others, our financial status, our relationships, our workplace, life

transitions, and our physical health. (Northern Healthcare 2020) Adolescents frequently

experience emotional symptoms, which are frequently connected to social factors like
bullying and social class. For example, emotional symptoms are more common in girls

and people from lower occupational social classes (Meilstrup et al., 2015).

The mental health of students is significantly influenced by various

school-related factors, which can either exacerbate or alleviate mental health issues.

Research indicates that school environments, academic pressures, and the availability of

mental health services play crucial roles in shaping students' mental well-being.

Subjective experiences in the classroom, such as teacher support and peer relationships,

are strongly linked to mental health outcomes, explaining up to 50% of the variance in

mental health(Suarez et al., 2023).

Stang et al. (2022) states that students' school-related well-being

(SWB) is of vital importance, as it is beneficial for their mental health and their overall

performance in school. Students' positive school-related well-being, covering cognitions

and emotions about school, is important due to its potential links to higher general life

satisfaction and improved learning abilities. What this says is that by improving school-

related well-being. students will most likely have higher life satisfaction and improved

learning abilities.

Shim et. Al. (2022) emotions shape how students interact with their

surroundings, and how they cope with emotional responses to academic stress or anxiety

can be influenced by their identities, prior experience, and the learning environment.

Meaning that, for high school students to have good mental health, they need to be in an

environment suited for their mental health needs and their academic performance. And

when students go through. academic stress or anxiety, it usually means they're constantly

under pressure from their school and their parents.

 According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)

in 2023, it was found that hyperactivity and other environmental-related mental health

issues affect a significant portion of the population. The research indicated that

approximately 15% of children aged 6-12 years in urban settings exhibit hyperactive

behaviors possibly linked to environmental factors such as exposure to pollution and

inadequate parental supervision.

Moreover Peer relationships significantly influence mental health,

particularly during adolescence. The interplay between peer networks and mental well-

being is complex and bidirectional, with factors such as popularity and social ties

impacting depressive symptoms and self-harm behaviors. According to the study

published by Garfinkel et al. (2022) in the Journal of Adolescent Health, peer

relationships significantly impact mental health outcomes among adolescents. The

research indicates that approximately 25% of adolescents reported experiencing mental

health issues directly linked to peer relationships, highlighting the importance of social

interactions in shaping psychological well-being.

Also According to a local study published by the Philippine Journal

of Psychology in 2022, nearly 30% of high school students in Metro Manila reported

experiencing mental health issues. This study found that approximately 12,000 students

surveyed showed signs of anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders, indicating a

significant prevalence of mental health challenges among adolescents in the area.

Consequently, it was revealed that 1 in 5 students reported having suicidal thoughts at

some point during their schooling.

 Therefore, it is important to study the Factors Affecting The Mental

Health from the alarming rise in mental health issues among adolescents, a demographic

that is increasingly vulnerable due to various contributing factors. By focusing on senior

high school students, we aim to understand the unique challenges they face within the

school environment and in their personal lives, which often lead to mental health

concerns such as anxiety and depression.

Given that high school is a critical period for cognitive and

emotional development, identifying factors such as academic pressure, social

relationships, and familial support will provide valuable insights. Additionally, this study

is vital in addressing the knowledge gap regarding mental health awareness within this

age group, as many students may lack the information or resources needed to cope with

their struggles effectively.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to describe and determine the Factors that affecting the mental

health of student-leaders at Tarlac National High School during the S. Y. 2023-2024.

Specifically, it shall seek to answer the following questions:

1. How may the demographic profile of the respondents to described as to grade level?

1.1 Sex

1.2 Gender

2. What are the factors that affect the mental health of the SHS students in terms of:

2.1 Personal Factors

2.2 Family Factors

 2.3 School related Factors

2.4 Environmental and Social Factors

3. Which are the factors most and least affect students’ Mental Health

4. What is the implication on the study to Mental Health Education?

Significance of the Study

This study entitled "Factors that Affecting the Mental Health of Senior High

School students at Tarlac Nation High School" will be conducted to provide a deeper

understanding of the various factors that distribute of affecting the mental health .

through a survey questionnaire and data collected from the participants, and through this,

it will benefit the following:

To the School Principal. The findings can guide the school principal in

implementing targeted interventions to support the mental health needs of students more

effectively.

To the Teachers. Understanding these factors will enable teachers to recognize

early signs of mental health issues among students and provide appropriate support and

guidance. Also teachers can adapt teaching strategies that consider student mental health,

fostering a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.

To the Students. Students can gain awareness of the factors that affect their

mental health, empowering them to seek help when needed and take steps towards self-

care and well-being. Therefore the study may lead to the development of programs or

resources that cater to students' mental health needs and promote resilience among them.
 To the Parents. Parents will receive insights into the challenges and stressors

faced by their children, facilitating open communication and support at home. This study

can equip parents with the knowledge to recognize signs of mental distress in their

children and provide the necessary assistance or seek professional help when required.

To the Future Researchers. The study can serve as a foundation for future

research endeavors exploring the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health in

high school students. It may inspire further studies on effective mental health

interventions and strategies tailored to the specific needs of students in similar

educational settings.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Senior High

School Students At Tarlac National High School (TNHS): A Descriptive Study in

Personal, Family, School related, Environmental and Social Factors. This research study

was conducted in Tarlac National High School (TNHS), Tarlac City, during the school

year 2024-2025. The respondents of this study are Grade 11 Humanities and Social

Sciences (HUMSS) Senior High School students of TNHS. Moreover, the data collection

was done through a survey questionnaire.

Definition of Terms

The following terminologies are conceptually and operationally defined in light

of the study:
 Academic performance refers to the measurable outcomes of educational efforts,

indicating levels of achievement in various subjects or skills through assessments. It is

closely tied to mental health, as stress and mental disorders can detrimentally affect

academic success (Rumberger & Palardy, 2005).

Coping mechanisms. are strategies individuals utilize to navigate stress and

adversity, which can be either adaptive or maladaptive. The effectiveness of these

mechanisms has a significant bearing on one's mental health and overall life satisfaction

(Folkman & Moskowitz, 2004).

External factors. encompass elements from the environment, including social

support, family dynamics, academic settings, and economic conditions, all of which

shape mental health across different life stages (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).

Genetic Factor. A 'Genetic Factor' according to (International Encyclopedia of

the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 2001) it refers to the hereditary elements that influence

traits such as cognition, intelligence, and memory in organisms.

Hyperactivity. means having increased movement, impulsive actions, a shorter

attention span, and being easily distracted. (National Library of Medicine, 2022)

Internal factors. include intrinsic attributes such as genetics, personality traits,

and innate coping abilities, all of which contribute to an individual’s mental health status

(Hariri & Holmes, 2006).

Mental Health. defined as an individual's emotional, psychological, and social

well-being, influencing their thoughts, feelings, and actions in response to daily

challenges. It plays a vital role in stress management, relationship building, and decision-

making throughout life (sartorius, 2002)

 Psycho-social stressors. originate from interpersonal relationships and societal

pressures, such as familial disputes, workplace challenges, and social isolation. These

external pressures can heighten levels of anxiety and depression, adversely affecting an

individual's mental health (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).

Socioeconomic. disparities: encompass the social and economic factors

contributing to differing levels of well-being among individuals or groups. Factors such

as income, education access, and employment opportunities significantly impact mental

health outcomes (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2009).