The Effects of Physical Education Activities Using Muay Thai on Stress Management among High School Students

Abstract

This study is a pre-experimental research aimed at examining and comparing the stress levels before and after a physical education activity using Muay Thai and determining the relationship between stress levels and average scores on stress management behavior in high school students. The sample consisted of 42 high school students with moderate stress levels (24–41 points), selected using a percentage table from the population and systematic random sampling. The research instruments included an 8-week physical education activity plan using Muay Thai (3 days per week, 1 hour per day), a stress assessment tool (SPST-20) from the Department of Mental Health, and a stress management behavior assessment scale. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to describe the general data of the sample group, mean stress scores, and stress management behavior scores. Inferential statistics included paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with a significance level set at 0.05.

The results showed that the pre-activity stress levels, as measured by the Department of Mental Health, were moderate, while the post-activity stress levels were low. The mean stress management behavior scores before the activity were at a moderate level, while after the activity, the mean scores were at a high level. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between stress levels and stress management behavior at the 0.05 significance level. In conclusion, students who demonstrated better stress management behavior had lower stress levels.