Thesis-Writing Stress and Coping Strategies among Islamic Guidance and Counseling Students: A Qualitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64780/sshr.v2i2.258Keywords:
stress thesis; coping strategies; Islamic guidance and counseling; studentsAbstract
Background:Writing a thesis is an academic challenge that can be stressful for students, especially when they face difficulties in scientific writing, limited references, family demands, time management challenges, and anxiety during the mentoring process. These conditions can impact students' psychology and hinder their thesis completion.
Aims:This study aims to identify stress levels, stress-causing factors, and efforts made by Islamic Guidance and Counseling Study Program students of the 2020 intake in overcoming stress during the preparation of their thesis.
Methods:The study employed a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. The primary informants consisted of 10 students from a population of 51 students from the Class of 2020. The informants were selected purposively and information sources were developed through snowball sampling. Data were collected through participant observation, unstructured interviews, and documentation. They were then analyzed through data review, data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. Data validity was strengthened through source triangulation.
Result:Of the 10 students, three experienced mild stress and seven experienced moderate stress. The causes of stress included internal factors, particularly poor time management, pessimism, and low self-confidence, as well as external factors such as a less conducive environment, limited resources, parental demands, work, and family responsibilities. Students coped with stress through general strategies such as relaxation, a healthy lifestyle, relaxation, time management, and discussions with friends. They also employed Islamic strategies such as prayer and prayer.
Conclusion:Thesis writing stress among Islamic Guidance and Counseling students is generally moderate and influenced by a combination of personal and environmental factors. Stress management is carried out through academic-psychological, social, and spiritual approaches, so student mentoring in completing their thesis needs to consider these aspects in an integrated manner
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