A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON ELEVENTH-GRADE STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN MANAGING ACADEMIC PRESSURE AT SMA NEGERI 1 PEMATANGSIANTAR
Kata Kunci:
Academic Pressure, Phenomenological Study, Eleventh-Grade Students, Senior High School Education, Students’ Experiences, Coping StrategiesAbstrak
Academic pressure significantly affects eleventh-grade students navigating intensive curricula and future uncertainties. This phenomenological study explores how eight eleventh-grade students at SMA Negeri 1 Pematangsiantar experience and manage academic pressure. Through semi-structured interviews analyzed via thematic analysis, four key themes emerged: sources of pressure (workload, parental expectations, future uncertainty), psychological and physical manifestations (anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances), varied coping strategies (both adaptive and maladaptive), and the critical role of environmental support. Findings reveal that students experience pressure as a multifaceted phenomenon affecting their daily lives, with supportive environments proving essential for effective coping. The study contributes valuable insights into Indonesian students' lived experiences and suggests practical implications for educators, parents, and policymakers in developing holistic support systems that balance academic achievement with student well-being.
