Stress Levels and Coping Strategies in Thesis Writing among Islamic Guidance and Counseling Students: A Qualitative Study

Devi Handayani Pohan (UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Kamaluddin kamaluddin (UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)
Maslina Daulay (UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan)

Social Sciences and Humanities Reviews
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Social Sciences and Humanities Reviews

Writing a thesis is a crucial step in completing undergraduate studies, but the process can be stressful for students. Students in the Islamic Guidance and Counseling (BKI) study program face various challenges, such as limited references, limited understanding of scientific writing, the revision process, and difficulties with guidance, all of which can trigger stress during the thesis writing process. Aims:This study aims to identify the level of stress experienced by BKI students in compiling their theses and to explore the efforts made to overcome this stress. Methods:The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. The primary participants consisted of 10 BKI students from the 2017 intake selected through purposive sampling, supported by eight additional informants consisting of close friends, roommates, and friends with the same supervisor. Data were collected through participant observation, unstructured interviews, and documentation. Analysis was conducted through data review, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing and verifying conclusions. Data validity was checked through triangulation. Result:The results of the study showed that of the 10 key informants, three students experienced mild stress, five experienced moderate stress, and two experienced severe stress. Stress triggers came from both internal and external factors. Students dealt with stress through two groups of strategies: general coping strategies such as relaxation, refreshing, a healthy lifestyle, time management, and discussions with friends, and Islamic coping strategies such as prayer, dhikr, supplication, reading the Quran, fasting, and vows. Conclusion:Thesis writing stress among BKI students exhibits varying levels and impacts, with moderate stress being the most prevalent. Students manage this stress through a combination of psychological, behavioral, social, and religious strategies, demonstrating the importance of an integrative coping approach to supporting the completion of their final assignment.