Experience of Academic Scholars in Handling Academic Pressure among Medical Laboratory Science Students
Kathleen Claire Castillo *
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Chamajara Largo
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Kristine Andrea Matutina
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Rosel Osano
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Shelly Ann Pugon
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Jessa Mae Rebutar
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Apple Shine Tipon
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Howard Kim Villalobos
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors' College, West Timawa, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Academic scholars in Medical Laboratory Science programmes may experience pressure associated with academic demands and scholarship-retention requirements. This study explored and described the experiences of academic scholars in handling academic pressure while maintaining required grades. A descriptive qualitative design was employed, and purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 second-year Medical Laboratory Science scholars from a private college in Iloilo City. Participants were aged 19–21 years; nine were female and one was male. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 10–20 minutes. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analysed thematically. Four themes were identified: Managing Demands, Strain, Drawing Strength From Support, and Pressure as Achievement. Participants described managing academic demands through time management, advance preparation, scheduling, rest, and recreational activities. They also reported stress, exhaustion, burnout, fear of failure, and concerns about scholarship eligibility. Family reassurance, peer and friend support, and sharing emotional difficulties with trusted individuals helped them cope. Some participants also viewed academic pressure as motivation to improve their performance, retain scholarship support, and progress towards their future careers as medical technologists. Overall, the findings indicate that academic pressure was experienced as both a challenge and a source of motivation. Understanding these experiences may help educational institutions and support providers recognise the academic, emotional, and social needs of scholarship recipients.
Keywords: Academic scholars, academic pressure, medical laboratory science students, coping strategies, social support, descriptive qualitative research