Journal Of Biology Education Research (JBER)
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): JBER (Journal Of Biology Education Research), Vol.7 No.1 (2026)

Academic Stress in First-Year Biology Education Students: The Role of Coping Strategies and Self-Esteem

Jajang Miharja (La Tansa Mashiro University, Rangkasbitung, Indonesia)
Rukun Maulana Sidik (La Tansa Mashiro University, Rangkasbitung, Indonesia)
Indra Darmawan (La Tansa Mashiro University, Rangkasbitung, Indonesia)
Solihin Solihin (Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, South Tangerang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 May 2026

Abstract

First-year university students frequently experience academic stress as they adapt to new academic, social, and personal demands. Excessive academic stress may adversely affect students’ psychological well-being, self-esteem, and academic performance. Therefore, understanding the roles of coping strategies and self-esteem is important for identifying factors associated with academic stress among first-year students. This study aimed to examine the relationships among coping strategies, self-esteem, and academic stress among first-year biology education students. A quantitative correlational design was employed involving 22 first-year biology education students selected through purposive sampling. The study investigated three variables, namely coping strategies, self-esteem, and academic stress, without administering any intervention or treatment. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring coping strategies, self-esteem, and academic stress. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between coping strategies and academic stress as well as between self-esteem and academic stress, while multiple correlation analysis was used to determine the combined relationship of coping strategies and self-esteem with academic stress. The results demonstrated a significant negative relationship among coping strategies, self-esteem, and academic stress, indicating that students with more effective coping strategies and higher levels of self-esteem tended to report lower levels of academic stress. These findings suggest that coping strategies and self-esteem are important psychological factors associated with academic stress among first-year university students and should be considered in developing programs to support students’ psychological adjustment and academic success during the transition to higher education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jber

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Education Environmental Science Immunology & microbiology

Description

Journal of Biology Education Research (JBER) publishes original research or theoretical papers, literature review on new knowledge of research, and research application that emphasize issues germane to Biology and Biology Education. Special emphasis is placed on research relevant to Biology ...