Exploring Mental Wellbeing, Distress and Adjustment in a Blended Learning Environment
Lord Joseas C. Conwi | Fredyrose Ivan L. Pinar | Jose S. Destura Jr.
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the education landscape underwent a rapid
transformation, with blended learning emerging as a predominant approach. This study employed
explanatory sequential analysis to examine the impact of academic and familial distress, as well as
adjustment, on students' mental health within the dual continua model. Quantitative results identified three
mental health groups: flourishing (21.14%), languishing (39.72%), and moderately mentally healthy
(39.14%). Students generally displayed moderate mental well-being, high academic distress, moderate
familial distress, and strong adjustment to blended learning. Notably, the relationship between adjustment
and academic stress, suggesting the effective adaptation to the demands of blended learning can mitigate
academic related stressors. Explaining the quantitative area, qualitative exploration uncovers a deeper
understanding of student’s lived experiences, emotional states, ranging from resilience and adaptability to
anxiety and frustrations. Moreover, it tackles the challenges faced by the students including technological
barriers, time management dilemmas and exacerbation of isolation as the effects of pandemic. These
revelations underscore the imperative need for educational interventions that seamlessly integrate mental
health education into curricula, fostering a healthier and more inclusive blended learning environment.
Prioritizing mental health education in the curriculum can enhance students' academic, emotional, and social
success in the evolving educational environment.
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