EMOTION AND BEHAVIOR ISSUES AND PROBLEMS PREVALENCE AMONG COLLEGIATE ATHLETES OF PRESIDENT RAMON MAGSAYSAY STATE UNIVERSITY (PRMSU) IBA, ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES

Abstract Explanatory mixed method research design was utilized on the investigation on the emotion and behavior issues of student-athletes of President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) Iba, Zambales, Philippines, conducted during the first semester of school year 2024-2025. A population of one hundred four (104) student-athletes from different colleges of the university were identified as respondents. The emotion and behavior issues were categorized into excessive anxiety and stress; and aggressive behavior and violent activity. A descriptive and inferential statistics were employed as statistical tools for the analysis in the quantitative phase of the study. The qualitative part used interview in data gathering. The study found that the student athlete-respondents agreed to have manifested excessive anxiety and stress mainly by worrying about their performance in their trainings and competition; and by experiencing pressure of winning the game and/or competition. They moderately greed that they showed aggressive behavior and violent activity showing anger and bent on physically harming an opponent, inciting verbal assaults with opponents; and dominance with other athletes. To address the emotion and behavior issues, the student-athletes preferred and valued unity and focus towards a team working and functioning together throughout the training and actual competition. They proposed a psychological preparation; confidence building; recognition of their skills and contribution; and orientation on aspects such as tolerance and patience. Moreover, student-athletes also sought from coaches, trainers and teammates’ friendly and supportive relations. The t-test result showed a no statistically significant difference in the perceptions between male and female student-athletes on the manifestations of emotional and behavior problems and issues.