EFFECTS OF ONLINE CLASSES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL.

HEALTH OF THE

GRADE 12 ABM STUDENTS

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to Tee ML (2020), the 2019 coronavirus illness (COVID-19) widespread

postures a risk to societies' psychological health. This ponder inspected the predominance of

psychiatric side effects and recognized the components contributing to psychological affect

within the Philippines. Amid the early stage of the widespread within the, one-fourth of

respondents detailed moderate-to-severe uneasiness and one-sixth detailed moderate-to-severe

sadness and mental affect. The components recognized can be to plan successful mental bolster

techniques.

Schroeder (2020) stated that supporting the mental health needs of online students is a

critical mission for each university. The radical change in lifestyle can feed loneliness, anxiety

and even lead to depression. With our current situation, wherein everything is done through the

internet, whether as a source of communication, shopping, news, and even studying. It is

necessary to check on everyone’s health, physically, emotionally, and especially mentally.

As attested by Alam and Bao (2020), online classes are to be found demandable as an

alternative to institutional closure during this new normal time. Nevertheless, as a result of an

insufficient learning approach, both students and instructors face numerous challenges and

1
difficulties including psychological problems. Thongsri and Shen (2019), reported that the

successful implementation of e-learning systems depends on how the program is performed by

students and instructors. As mentioned by Rohman & Marji (2010), though online teaching is

one of the promising alternatives to the physical classroom, students show a negative perception

of online learning behavior which might be a significant consequence that is responsible for

psychological distress.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (2020), stated that a lot of things would be

benefitted once the students’ psychological and mental well-being is on its stable condition.

Studies have shown that those who are psychologically or mentally healthy are able to enjoy life

and environment. Nurturing the mental health can also help to prevent mental health problems

that are sometimes associated with chronic physical illness. It is important to maintain a healthy

state of psychological and mental well-being because having this ruined gives a lot of negative

impact. The impact is not only limited to those of the students itself but as well the people they

are being involved with especially the family.

According to Sherman (2016), having get to advanced learning modules within the

classroom can offer assistance educate our youthful understudies more than ever some time

recently. With virtual recreations and models, instructors are able to communicate subjects that

will have already been out of reach. Video conferencing and social stages permit understudies to

communicate with others from distinctive nations and share data like never some time recently.

By improving the skill level, communication techniques, and the technological prowess of its

students, online learning is improving our society at breakneck speeds. Whether this training is

being incorporated in the workforce or as an individual’s education plan, there is no denying that

societies all over the world can be greatly improved with more online learning initiatives.

2
 As said by the article on Children’s mental health (2020), the unexpected disruption of

the social fabric and norms has affected the behavioral and mental health of the public, including

children. The mental health of children has been influenced by several ways, as this

unprecedented situation changed a way they typically grow, learn, play, behave, interact, and

manage emotions. Children with pre-existing psychiatric disorders such as attention-

deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and behavior

disorders could be adversely impacted during this stressful situation 

Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide in adolescents and

children. About 15% of children and adolescents in the world have mental health disorders or

conditions. Nearly 50% of mental disorders start to affect the children by the age of 14. If left

untreated, a child's mental development has been found to be drastically and detrimentally

impacted. It is well established that mental health is one of the essential parts of human

development and determines the outcome of a child's educational attainments and the potential to

live fulfilling and productive lives.

On the authority of World Health Organization (2020), mental illness can affect children

at any point during their childhood, but it most significantly affects them during adolescence.

Among the several mental illnesses that can be prevalent in childhood, depression is one of the

major leading causes of mental illness amongst children. In 2016, an estimated 53,000 deaths

were due to adolescent suicide, which is the third leading cause of morbidity in this group. This

emphasizes that adolescence is a period of vulnerability for the onset of mental health conditions.

In the opinion of Hasan and Bao (2020), this rapid evolution at such a large scale has

influenced the students of all age groups. It is expected that the continued spread of the disease,

travel restrictions and the closure of educational institutions across the country would have a

3
significant effect on the education, social life, and mental health of students (Odriozola-Gonzalez

P., Planchuelo-Gomez A., Jesus M., De Luis-Garcia R., 2020).

The students from the less privileged backgrounds have experienced larger negative

impacts due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Reduction in family income, limited access to digital

resources, and the high cost of internet connectivity have disrupted the academic life of the

students.

Moreover, 1.5 billion students across the world are now deprived of basic education (Lee

2020). leading to a serious psychological impact on their health. Moreover, changes in daily

routine including lack of outdoor activity, disturbed sleeping patterns, social distancing have

affected the mental well-being of the students. They are using 7-item Generalized Anxiety

Disorder Scale (GAD-7) as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of anxiety disorders, panic

disorders, and social phobia. Further, Ye Z., Yang X., & Zeng C (2020), analyses mediating

roles of resilience, coping, and social support to deal with psychological symptoms.

Additionally, as stated by Winkie (2020), there is no single reason why remote learning

can range from more hands-on instruction to hands-off assignments depending on the school is

better suited to some students than others. Some people appreciate how free and untethered an

online education is. Others have struggled for years with the social anxiety that comes with being

in a classroom. But now, they are finally at ease doing schoolwork privately in their bedroom.

Nobody is afraid of being late for class anymore. According to one student, this extended break

from campus has revealed that many of his general education responsibilities aren't significant

and that they'd be better off with classes two or three times a week.

4
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The Physical and Mental Effects of Online Learning

According to Code and Jett (2020), online school has forced students, parents, and

teachers alike to make a tremendous change in their daily routine. Although logistically, video

calls work well to replace each period of classes, they have a large effect on students’ mental and

physical health. Nationwide, 29% of parents that were studied in a Gallup poll said their child is

“already experiencing harm” to their emotional or mental health because of social distancing and

closures. 14% said their child could continue online school a few more weeks until their mental

health suffers. Online school doesn’t have the social element of in person school, which is

crucial to students’ social and emotional learning. In that same Gallup poll, 45% of parents said

that separation of their child from classmates and teachers is a major challenge. Junior Maggie

Gross agrees. “Lack of physical interaction has killed my mental stability,” she says.

Of course, student’s mental health experiences are not universal, and some have even

benefitted from online learning, like senior Mason Wice. “Online school has definitely made

things harder, but it has actually improved my physical health compared to what I was doing

during quarantine, and my mental health as well because my safety is assured,” he says. For

others, online school hasn’t made much of a difference in their health.

Obesity in children is on the rise, which causes by lack of outdoor physical activities or

binge eating and easy access to junk food at home. Children are losing muscle mass and gaining

fat, which will impact their growth. According to research, the more physically active a child is

5
during their growing years, the better their physical and mental health will be for the next 3-4

decades. Physically inactive children lose muscle tone, making it difficult for them to participate

in sports when they resume in the future due to muscle rigidity. Also, physical activities play a

significant role in the calcium and vitamin D levels of the body. Deficiencies in children have

been on the rise in recent years, and the reasons are clear (Naraya Health, 2020).

Also, scientific articles, polls, and many students at Northern show that mental health,

along with fatigue and digital eye strain, are not something to be taken lightly during a pandemic

which places the importance on physical health.

The Impact of Online Learning on Mental Health

According to The High Focus Centers (2020), online learning affects everyone from

young children to young adults, teachers, and professors. For many students, virtual classes may

worsen existing mental health disorders. For others, the impact of the pandemic and online

learning can trigger new changes in mental health and mood.

Social Isolation

Although school is mainly a source of education, it is also the main focus of many

teenagers’ social lives. Teenagers and young adults have the ability to interact with their peers at

school. It provides them with an opportunity to socialize and express themselves. Without daily

social contact, teens can feel isolated, unmotivated, or discouraged as schools and colleges move

to virtual formats. 

Numerous studies have found that social alienation has a higher incidence of harmful

effects on people's emotional and physical health. Other studies have found that face-to-face

6
interactions can help reduce depression and anxiety. Less social interaction may increase feelings

of social anxiousness and pressure. For example, teenagers may worry about changes in their

friendships if the isolation continuous.

Increased Stress & Anxiety

Alongside the lack of social interaction, an online class structure can affect teens and

adolescents in several ways. They may feel heightened anxiety about keeping up to date with

their school work. Other teens may experience difficulty concentrating or staying focused while

at home. For some adolescents and young adults, being in front of others on video can lead to

anxieties. Some students may find it hard to receive the extra education support they need to

succeed. As many parents know, being a teenager or young adult is often challenging. It adds

pressure on students that can exacerbate anxieties and stressors.

Virtual Learning Fatigue

Both students and teachers may become exhausted if they spend a considerable amount

of time online. One of the reasons that a day filled with video experiences is so emotionally

exhausting is that our minds can no longer interpret information in the manner they used to.

When we have in-person interactions, our minds perceive nonverbal cues. Tone and pitch of

speech, facial gestures, eye contact, and body language are examples of these signals.

When picking up on these cues is challenging or unlikely, our brain needs to work harder

to understand the information it collects. On its own, this will lead to psychological distress.

Stress levels will quickly escalate as this is associated with the intense self-awareness of being

on tape in front of others.

7
Does Online Learning Offer Mental Health Benefits?

Despite the risk of virtual learning harming a teen's mental wellbeing, there are several

advantages. Being at home and with family, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, can

provide a sense of security and reassurance for some students. For these students, their home

could serve as a secure learning space wherein they can be more productive. While school is a

place for teens to socialize and form friendships, not all social interactions are positive. Students

may become victims of bullying at school. For these students, virtual learning offers an escape

from depression and anxiety caused by the fear of being bullied. For other students, virtual

classes can also provide an escape from the constant weight of peer pressure.

Furthermore, uncontrollable factors such as school closure, campus closure, and travel

restrictions impacted the international students. Other countries have closed their borders to

internationals to help mitigate the pandemic, as many students may not have another place to

live. The sudden closure of many countries to outsiders has placed a significant burden on school

administrators to provide housing, food, and safety for their international students (Wagner KD,

2020).

Online Classes can have an Impact on Mental Health

According to Pietrewicz (2020), reading material online may risk student performance.

Reading and absorbing knowledge online requires a unique set of skills, unlike traditional

8
textbooks. When reading from a printed book or handout, people are more likely to understand

and remember information. Although most college students are used to relying almost entirely

on devices, processing knowledge from a video lecture while 50 other students cough and sniff

while their microphones stay unmuted isn't the same as in a lecture hall.

A majority of UMass students will not be living on campus this fall – following an Aug.

6 announcement of changes to the reopening plan, the number of students living in residence

halls reduced from the average 14,000 students to just 1,069. While many students may be living

off-campus in the Amherst area, many other students will be living with their families and have

to deal with responsibilities they generally do not have to worry about while they are living at

school, such as taking care of siblings and parents who may also be adjusting to life according to

Zoom.

Aside from the challenges we may encounter in Zoom, online learning can affect a group

of learners. Professors or teaching assistants will not be consuming their regular working hours.

There will be no assemblies for researchers. You can't just drop by and inquire your advisor if

you can graduate on time. Late nights in the library, fueled by Red Bull and frustration, will be a

different story. It would be alienating and disconnecting to be a UMass student without the

whole being at UMass thing.

There are also concerns about the current pandemic, which is why we have to attend

Zoom classes in the first place. It is exhausting to feel anxious every time for the health and

welfare of your loved ones and yourself when doing everyday events like going to the grocery

store. COVID-19 is continuing, and it does not seem that things are getting better any time soon.

9
 Even though students and professors can do nothing about COVID-19 other than wear a

mask and avoid social interactions, there are things they can do about Zoom exhaustion. When

you can, take a break from your computer, even if it's just for 15 minutes, and stroll around your

room or stretch and drink some water. Take physical notes at classes if you can to help you

remember what you've learned. This semester, take advantage of the newly implemented changes

to the UMass Pass or Fail policy wherein students can choose to pass or fail up to three classes.

Remember that switching to online classes is a significant change for both students and

professors. Professors should keep in mind that after looking at a screen for five hours or longer,

not all of the students may have the energy to engage in an active discussion and that some of

them have commitments outside of their class. Students should bear in mind that the teachers are

also getting used to Zoom. Keeping it in mind will help reduce some of the anxiety and

frustration that might occur with broken technology and online lectures.

Given the harmful nature of depressive symptoms, it is critical to prevent new mental

health problems and reduce depressive symptoms, as this may harm the overall quality of life

and increase the likelihood of future depressive episodes. More than two-thirds of the younger

population suffering from depression do not seek treatment (Davies SC., Lemer C., Strelitz J.,

Weil L., 2013). The lack of a scientific approach, early treatment, and specific treatment options

has been a source of concern in more broadly developed preventive interventions, with schools

providing a welcoming environment for such initiatives (Stallard P., Skryabina E., Taylor G.,

Phillips R., Daniels H., Anderson R., Simpson N., 2014).

According to one study, only 16% of youth receive treatment for mental health

conditions, with 75% were being identified and treated at school. A school setting that aids in

10
preventing depressive symptoms at a young age has numerous benefits. It alleviates issues with

participant recruitment, convenient transportation or commuting, and the inclusion of a broader

range of populations with varying degrees of depressive symptoms (Masia-Warner C., Nangle

D., Hansen., 2006).

 These programs reduce the prevalence of anxiety symptoms like depression

symptoms (Corrieri S., Heider D., Conrad I., Blume A., König HH., Riedel-Heller

SG., 2014). In addition to depression, approximately one-third of children develop

conduct disorder, resulting in poor academic performance and low self-esteem

(Quiggle N.L, Garber J., Panak WF., Dodge KA., 1992). These strategies also aid

in the management of comorbid conduct disorder and depression. Several studies

have found that depressed youth are hostile to others in social situations. These

kids also struggle to improve their interpersonal relationships.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This research defined the effects of the online classes on the psychological health of the

Grade 12 ABM Senior High School students. The framework illustrated the cause and effect of

the variables. How the independent variable, Online Classes affect the dependent variable,

Psychological Health of the Grade 12 STEM Students.

Psychological Health
Online Classes of the Grade 12
STEM Students

11
 Figure 1.0
Research Paradigm

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to determine the effect of online classes on the psychological health of

the Grade 12 ABM Senior High School students. Specifically, this research seeks to answer the

following questions:

1. What are the effects of online classes on the psychological health of the Grade 12 ABM

students?

2. Is there a significant relationship between effects of online classes and the psychological

health?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Based on the statement of the problem, the following hypotheses are thereof formulated:

H0: There is a significant relationship between effects of online classes and the psychological

health of the Grade 12 ABM students.

H1: There is no significant relationship between effects of online classes and the psychological

health of the Grade 12 ABM students.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study is primarily focused on the effects of online classes on psychological health of

grade 12 ABM students whom are currently enrolled in an online class. The researchers will use

12
online survey form to gather data and the link will be distributed through online platforms such

as Messenger. It delimits to the students who are not attending online class.

SIGNIFICANCE AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE STUDY

This research study would explicate the significant effects of online classes to the

psychological health of the students particularly school year 2021-2022. The research is aimed

towards the benefits of the following:

To the Administration. This study would aid the administrators of the school to consider the

effects of online classes to the psychological health of the students and they would be given the

idea and awareness of what to do to upgrade their plan in providing students to build up their

platforms in deciding what the best is for their students as well as for the school.

To the Teachers. They would furthermore understand and comprehend about how sudden

refinement on the regulation of online classes affects the student psychological health. They

would also be given knowledge as to what is more likely preferred by the students; which will

help in knowing the effects of having too much workload and how to balance everything.

To the Students. They would be able to learn, how to not overdo themselves and learn how to

manage their time properly. To also enjoy, and not be stressed. To take care of their health and

be a responsible student.

13
To the Future Researchers. Future researchers may use this study as a foundation or reference

for further research into the effects of online classes on the psychological health of Grade 12

students at Claret School in Zamboanga City during the academic year 2020-2021, as well as to

assess the validity of this quantitative study.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the welfare of the readers, the following terms were defined according to the manner

of how they were used in this research:

 Anxiety. It's a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come.

 Claret school of Zamboanga City Virtual Campus. The place where the research was

conducted.

 Correlation. The statistical tool for the study.

 Correlational design. A research design used in the study.

 Covid-19. A virus that spread all over the world and affected the way of living.

 Frequency Weighted Mean. The Statistical tool for the study.

 Grade 12 STEM Students. The respondents of the study.

 Mental health. A condition with regard how we think, feel, and act.

 Online Activities. Online interaction that avoids physical contact.

 Online Learning. This refers to the new normal way of studying during the pandemic.

 Online survey. A way of gathering the data.

 Psychological Health. It pertains to the mental and emotional state of the students.

 Simple Random Sampling. A sampling used to determine the data.

14
 Stress. It’s a feeling of emotional strain and pressure.

15