Managing Academic Stress and Fear of Failure: The Experience of Junior High School Students in Jakarta in Board Game-Based Coaching “Perjalanan Menuju Ketenangan”

Dhiyaa Azmi; Hana Fajria Mabruroh; Rafa Maritza

doi:10.26740/jptt.v17n02.p163-178

Authors

Dhiyaa Azmi Department of Psychology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5316-5809
Hana Fajria Mabruroh Department of Psychology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6725-8523
Rafa Maritza Department of Psychology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26740/jptt.v17n02.p163-178

Keywords:

Academic stress, fear of failure, coaching, board game, hope, self-regulation

Abstract

Background: Academic stress and fear of failure are common among junior high school students due to high academic demands and evaluation pressure, which can reduce motivation and disrupt psychological well-being. Participatory learning media, such as board games, may support stress management and character development. Objective: This study explored students’ experiences in managing academic stress and fear of failure through coaching based on the board game Perjalanan Menuju Ketenangan. Method: Thirty eighth-grade students were purposively selected for an exploratory qualitative study. Data were collected via observation, reflection, and testimony, then analyzed thematically using hope and self-regulation indicators. The board game is the researcher’s original product, registered with the Indonesian Intellectual Property Agency. Results: Students showed improvement in managing emotions, setting realistic learning goals, applying adaptive coping strategies, and reflecting on their learning through the board game. Conclusion: Board game-based coaching effectively fosters psychological resilience and supports the development of academic stress management strategies among junior high school students.

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