Perceived Stress and Resilience of Criminology Teachers and Students during Covid-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, education has undergone rapid and profound changes, leading to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, social isolation, and potentially detrimental behaviors that undermine well-being. In this situation, it is essential to understand the link between perceived stress and resilience among vulnerable populations, including teachers and students, as society navigates the new normal in delivering high-quality education. Furthermore, since little scholarly attention has been invested in understanding the impact of the pandemic on Criminology teachers and students, targeted studies are necessary. Thus, this descriptive-correlation study assesses the perceived stress and resilience among Criminology teachers and students in Negros Occidental (Western Visayas, Philippines) during the pandemic. To this end, a total of 2000 respondents voluntarily answered the survey questionnaire used by the researcher – 124 Criminology teachers using the total enumeration technique and 1876 students using the simple random process among the eleven schools in Negros Occidental offering Criminology Program. The data was collected through Google Forms because travel restrictions and quarantine were still imposed during the study. The study used the frequency and percentage in terms of the profile of the respondents, mean and standard deviation to determine the level of perceived stress and resilience, and coefficient correlations for significant correlations and disparity. The findings revealed that Criminology teachers had a moderate level of perceived stress and resilience, indicating their ability to manage stress and cope with teaching challenges during the pandemic. Conversely, students experienced a high-stress level, particularly among females, while demonstrating moderate resilience. Furthermore, a notable disparity was found between teachers' and students' stress levels and resilience, affirming that the latter are more resilient, albeit more stressed, because finishing their degree during the pandemic signifies a remarkable achievement for them. These results underscore the need for tailored interventions that effectively manage stress and promote the development of coping mechanisms. By acknowledging the unique stressors Criminology students face and harnessing their inherent resilience, educational institutions would be able to support their success and well-being during these challenging times.