Authors

Al-shieña H. Jupakkal*
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Somaiya I. Annuari
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Lino S. Arip
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Fatima-Anniza A. Hadjula
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Mardiya A. Mangkabong
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Abduljabar A. Usman
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Narjeadyanne H. Julbasari
Senior High School Department, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between managing secular and Islamic studies and the academic struggles (time management, bodily well-being, and stress overload) among Mindanao State University–Sulu Senior High School Students. The researchers utilized a descriptive research design and gathered data from 110 respondents across the STEM and GAS strands. The findings revealed that most of the respondents balancing secular and Islamic education are female. This study concludes that the impact of dual demands on the academic struggles of students is high, with students experiencing significant physical stress and lack of sleep. However, it was also found that students possess very high levels of spiritual motivation and religious commitment, which serve as their primary coping mechanisms. Therefore, the researchers recommend that school administrators should align academic and religious requirements to prevent workload spikes; teachers should coordinate assignment deadlines across both secular and Arabic departments to reduce student burnout; students should develop advanced time-management skills and maintain their spiritual resilience to balance their dual academic identities; and future researchers may conduct qualitative studies using interviews to explore the personal experiences of students and address the gap between their high spiritual motivation and physical struggles.

Keywords: Descriptive research, Islamic studies, secular studies, Senior high school.

*Corresponding author/ Email: alshienaj@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021039

Recommended citation:
Jupakkal, A. H., Annuari, S. I., Arip, L. S., Hadjula, F. A., Mangkabong, M. A., Usman, A. A., & Julbasari, N. H. (2026). Struggles in managing secular and Islamic studies among senior high school students at Mindanao State University-Sulu. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 2248-2256. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021039

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