Author
Rina Grace P. Posas
Cagay National High School
Cagay, Barili, Cebu, Philippines
Email: posasrinagrace@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of a dance exercise intervention as a school-based strategy for reducing stress levels among Grade 9 students at Cagay National High School, Barili, Cebu, during the School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it aimed to determine the profile of the respondents in terms of sex, age, socio-economic status, and participation in extracurricular or physical activities; assess students’ baseline and post-intervention stress levels; determine whether a significant difference exists between pre- and post-intervention stress levels; and explore students’ perceptions of dance exercise as a strategy for stress reduction. The study employed a mixed-methods design using the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) and semi-structured interviews for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and paired-samples t-test, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Results indicated that students experienced varying levels of stress, with school performance identified as the most prominent source. Findings also showed a significant reduction in overall stress levels after the dance exercise intervention, t (39) = 4.91, p < .001, suggesting the positive contribution of structured physical activity to stress management among learners. Qualitative findings further revealed improvements in students’ mood, academic focus, social interaction, and emotional well-being. The findings suggest that dance exercise may serve as a practical and sustainable strategy for stress management in school settings. Based on the results, an action plan was developed to support the integration of structured physical activities into school wellness programs aimed at promoting student well-being.
Keywords: Physical education, stress reduction, mixed-methods research, Cebu, Philippines
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0501853
Recommended citation:
Posas, R. G. P. (2026). Dance exercise as a school-based strategy for stress reduction among Grade 9 students. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (1), 9619-9627. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0501853
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