Stress as Related with Conduct and Achievement in Adolescent Students

Stress reactions occur when an environmental event taxes one's ability to cope. The study investigated the relationship of stress with conduct and achievement. A sample of 60 students (14-18 years) from Government schools was incidentally selected. Stress was measured with the help of a scale by (Tubesing&Tubesing, 1983) which assesses symptoms of physical, emotional and mental stress. Conduct was assessed in terms of the judgment of class teacher on a bipolar adjective checklist developed by the researcher about different behaviours of the student like punctuality, perseverance etc. Average marks obtained by a student throughout one academic session was used as a measure of academic achievement. The results revealed higher level of stress, specially emotional stress among male adolescents as compared to females; better conduct and academic achievement by females. Mental stress was found to be negatively correlated with achievement for both but with conduct for females only. Overall stress was found to be significantly negatively correlated with achievement in females; positive correlation between conduct and academic achievement was found. The study implies that out of different forms of stress, mental stress has more deleterious impact on academic achievement of adolescents; although females have been found to be higher in good conduct, mental stress undermines it too. Findings suggest a need for training of teachers and parents to help their wards in developing the skills to manage mental stress.