Causes of Academic Stress among Class X Students

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 128 views

# **An Overview of the Academic Stress of Grade X Students of SMA Negeri 1 Tebing Tinggi**

Introduction

The transition from junior high school to high school is a moment full of challenges for students, especially for those who are in class X at SMA Negeri 1 Tebing Tinggi. This significant change requires students to increase their responsibilities and independence. They must adapt to a larger and more complex class structure, where academic demands become increasingly severe. High expectations from teachers and parents often add pressure to students, making some of them feel anxious and unable to adapt to the new environment. This phenomenon is known as academic stress.

Academic stress among class X students can emerge from various sources. According to the term expressed by Agnihstri (2018), academic stress is related to a number of academic demands that must be met. This includes various things, such as answering questions in class, understanding the material taught by the teacher, competing with classmates, and meeting the academic expectations given by parents and teachers. In this context, students often feel depressed if they cannot meet these expectations, which can cause negative impacts on their mental health and welfare.

Causes of Academic Stress among Class X Students

Research conducted at SMA Negeri 1 Tebing Tinggi shows that the level of academic stress among class X students is in the high category. This indicates that many students experience significant pressure in dealing with various learning demands. Furthermore, Desmita (2010) emphasizes that any expectations that appear can make some students feel vulnerable and more difficult to adapt to new environments. The inability to adjust to this situation further worsen their mental condition.

The causes of academic stress among class X students can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the increasing academic demands of high school can be overwhelming for some students. The complexity of the curriculum, the amount of homework, and the pressure to perform well in exams can all contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Secondly, the social pressures of high school can also play a significant role in academic stress. Students may feel pressure to conform to certain social norms, to fit in with their peers, or to maintain a certain image.

Effects of Academic Stress on Students

Academic stress not only affects student learning performance, but can also cause physical and psychological health problems, such as depression and anxiety. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress can lead to a range of negative effects on physical and mental health, including headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, academic stress can also lead to decreased motivation, decreased self-esteem, and decreased academic achievement.

Efforts to Deal with Academic Stress

Efforts to deal with academic stress need to be done both from the school, parents, and students themselves. Schools can provide support by providing effective guidance and counseling programs, while parents can play an active role in supporting students by providing motivation and understanding of the pressures they face. Students can also take steps to manage their academic stress, such as setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and seeking help when needed.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

It is essential to create a learning environment that supports and provides space for students to share their feelings. This can be achieved by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for students to express their emotions, by offering counseling services, and by promoting a culture of empathy and understanding. By creating a supportive learning environment, we can help to reduce the academic stress experienced by students and promote a positive and healthy learning experience.

Conclusion

Academic stress is a significant problem that affects many students, especially those in class X at SMA Negeri 1 Tebing Tinggi. It is essential to recognize the causes and effects of academic stress and to take steps to address this issue. By working together, we can create a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being.

Recommendations

Based on the research conducted, the following recommendations are made:

Schools should provide effective guidance and counseling programs to support students in managing academic stress.
Parents should play an active role in supporting students by providing motivation and understanding of the pressures they face.
Students should take steps to manage their academic stress, such as setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and seeking help when needed.
A supportive learning environment should be created by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for students to express their emotions, by offering counseling services, and by promoting a culture of empathy and understanding.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the causes and effects of academic stress in more depth, as well as developing effective strategies for managing academic stress. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the most effective ways to create a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted at a single school, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations. Finally, the study did not explore the long-term effects of academic stress on students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, academic stress is a significant problem that affects many students, especially those in class X at SMA Negeri 1 Tebing Tinggi. It is essential to recognize the causes and effects of academic stress and to take steps to address this issue. By working together, we can create a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being.