Advisers

Michael L. Bersamin, LPT

Discipline

Mental Health

Abstract

Academic stress is a common issue among college students, leading to the use of digital tools such as AI chatbots for stress management. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study examined students’ baseline academic stress, perceptions of AI chatbots, usage patterns, and perceived effectiveness. The findings aim to show how students accept and use AI chatbots and their potential as support tools for academic well-being. This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design to determine the effectiveness of an AI chatbot in managing academic stress among 50 psychology students from different sections of Bestlink College. Data were collected using a structured self-report questionnaire adapted from existing scales, which measured perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and overall satisfaction using a 4-point Likert scale. The survey was administered online to ensure accessibility, with respondents informed about the study’s purpose and confidentiality. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, to systematically interpret students’ perceptions of the chatbot’s effectiveness as a digital support tool for academic stress management. Most respondents were aged 18–25, a stage where students are more vulnerable to academic stress due to increasing responsibilities. The sample was mostly female, meaning the results mainly reflect female students’ experiences and perceptions. Overall, age and gender play an important role in understanding students’ stress levels and openness to AI-based support tools. The study found that the AI chatbot was positively perceived as a useful and accessible tool for managing academic stress among students. It provided quick support and helpful suggestions, making it a valuable supplement to traditional mental health services, though it should not replace professional counseling.

Keywords

Academic Stress, ai chatbot, Perceiveness