Influence of Extracurricular Involvement on Stress Levels and Academic Achievement of College Students
Abstract
Higher education institutions are responsible not only for delivering academic instruction but also for fostering students’ holistic development. In the Philippines, this responsibility is reinforced by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through policies supporting student engagement beyond the classroom. This study examined the influence of extracurricular involvement on stress levels and academic achievement among college students at Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO). Specifically, it assessed students’ participation in sports, arts, and academic clubs, measured their stress levels and academic performance, and investigated the relationships among these variables. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 30 college students selected as respondents. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. The findings indicated a high level of extracurricular involvement, with academic clubs recording the highest participation, followed by sports and arts activities. Students participating in sports reported low stress levels, whereas those engaged in arts and academic clubs experienced moderate stress. Overall, the respondents demonstrated good academic performance. Correlation analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between extracurricular involvement and stress levels, nor between extracurricular involvement and academic achievement. These findings suggest that participation in extracurricular activities supports students’ leadership development, social interaction, creativity, and personal growth without compromising academic outcomes. The study concludes that extracurricular engagement remains an essential component of student development and recommends that higher education institutions continue strengthening extracurricular programs while providing comprehensive student support services that promote psychological well-being, balanced participation, academic success, and lifelong personal development.