Stress in Adolescents Attempting Entrance Exams to Professional Courses in Relation to Regularity of Routine, Study Habits and Parental Expectations

The aim of the study was to examine the stress in students appearing for professional course before the entrance exams in relation to number of appearances, subject and profession opted, regularity of routine, study habit and parental expectations. A survey method was used. 203 students were administered questionnaires to assess their stress levels and perception of parental expectations. Information was obtained regarding their routine, study habits, profession opted and subjects. Results showed that adolescents appearing entrance exams were significantly more stressed than those who were not appearing for the exams. Higher stress in adolescents had significant relationship with higher parental expectations and poorer regularity of routine. The finding provides pointers toward counseling processes in adolescent stress.