ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS

Abstract

Background of the Study: Academic stress is the physical, emotional ,and psychological strain experienced by students due to academic demands such as examinations, assignments, competition, and performance expectations. According to UNESCO, increasing academic pressure contributes to stress, anxiety, and emotional distress among school-going adolescents, furthermore 1 in 7 adolescents worldwide experiences a mental health condition. Therefore, assessing academic stress and promoting effective stress management strategies are essential for improving adolescent well-being and academic success. Methodology: A descriptive study to assess the level of academic stress among adolescents in selected schools of Lucknow (U.P.) with a view to develop a SIM (Self-Instructional Module) on stress management strategies. The study was conducted among adolescents aged 12–17 years studying in selected schools of Lucknow. A sample of 40 adolescents was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA) and demographic data questionnaire. The content validity of the tool was established by experts in the field of nursing and education. The collected data were organized, tabulated, analysed, and interpreted according to the objectives of the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to assess the level of academic stress, while inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were used to determine the association between academic stress and selected demographic variables. Results: The study revealed that among the adolescents assessed, the majority (60%, n=24) experienced a moderate level of academic stress. Mild stress was reported by 25% (n=10) of the participants, while 15% (n=6) exhibited severe academic stress. The overall mean academic stress score was 49 (SD = 9), with scores ranging from a minimum of 31 to a maximum of 67. Chi-square analysis indicated a statistically significant association between the level of academic stress and the father’s educational status. However, no significant associations were found between academic stress levels and other demographic variables. Conclusion: The study concluded that academic stress is prevalent among adolescents studying in selected schools of Lucknow. Most students experienced a moderate level of academic stress, while a smaller proportion reported mild and severe stress. The findings indicate that academic demands significantly influence the well-being of adolescents. Therefore, there is a need to educate adolescents about effective stress management strategies. The developed Self-Instructional Module (SIM) can serve as a useful educational tool to help students recognize, manage, and reduce academic stress, thereby promoting better mental health and academic performance.