A Study of Stress in Students of Professional Colleges in Relation to their Self Efficacy

As examinations approach each year, stress is taking a toll on the students. A point of time has been reached when an explanation as to what causes stress in these students is the need of the hour in an attempt to revamp the existing educational system. The present descriptive research was of the correlational and casual - comparative type. It aimed to study stress in students of professional colleges in relation to their self efficacy. It also focused on the gender differences in these variables as well as in the relationship between these variables. The sample comprised of 1094 students of professional colleges. The rating scales used for the purpose of study were prepared by the researcher. Descriptive analysis of data included calculation of the mean, median and mode, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis and estimation of population parameters. Inferential statistics included the 'T' test, coefficient of correlation and the 'Z' test. The study revealed a negative correlation of stress with self efficacy. Significant gender differences were found to exist in the variables as well as in their relationship. This study could have important implications in helping students of professional colleges to come to terms with the invaluable worth of a high self efficacy in coping with examination stress.