Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Author/s: Chyna Joy Agcaoili; Angelica Ajesta; Thea Patricia Aquino; Alexa Jay Aurellano; Louie Rein Becasio; Jihan Sofia Bulanan; Noel Bernard Cabe; Prospero Keannu Candare IV; Maria Kristiana Caraos; Jana Michaela Carranza; Angelo Gabriel Chavez; Joren Marcellus Cruz; Zyvann Andrei De Sahagun; Alvic Shilloh Espela; Diana Joy Formento; Daves Gacutan; Tiffany Alex Hipolito; Lizbeth Rose Lee; Leo Lopez; Eva Bautista, MD

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the academic stressors experienced by medical students in Metro Manila and the coping mechanisms they use to deal with the challenges of their education, specifically identifying the most and least common stressors and coping strategies across different demographic factors and year levels. Findings will help to develop targeted interventions that can support the mental health and resilience of future healthcare professionals in this urban setting.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed academic stress and coping strategies among first to thirdyear medical students in Metro Manila. Data were collected using online questionnaires, and analysis was conducted with SPSS. The study aimed to identify the top five most and least common stressors and coping methods by year level and sex.

Results: The study found that male and female medical students experience different academic stressors and coping mechanisms. Females were stressed by time constraints, while males felt guilty about balancing personal life with academics. Coping strategies evolved from active problem-solving in first-year students to spiritual coping in third-year students. Time constraints were the most significant stressor for all year levels. The study emphasizes the need to recognize sex and year-level differences in addressing academic stress in medical education.

Conclusion:The primary stressor among medical students of varying academic years was the “lack of time to study the material to be tested.” Sex-specific differences were evident, with females more stressed by time constraints and seeking emotional support, while males struggled with balancing personal life and studies, relying on active problem- solving. Notably, the study has also illuminated the evolution of coping mechanisms as students progress through their medical education, from active problem-solving in the first year to a blend of problem-solving and acceptance in the second year, and a turn towards spiritual coping techniques by the third year.

Keywords:
Academic stress, coping strategies, medical students, sex differences, year levels