Adjustment Problems among Eleventh and Twelfth Graders: a Comparative Analysis

Adolescence is a time of change where the young people are facing new experiences in the social set up they are in. The study was conducted with the objective to examine the adjustment problems in the domains of health, economic status, social, family self-perception, anxiety, religion, occupation, school and studies of eleventh and twelfth graders. It was hypothesized that: eleventh graders are more likely to face adjustment problems than twelfth graders; and that, science students will report more adjustment problems as compared to vocational stream students. Bronfrenbrenner's ecological model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) provided the guiding framework for the study. The model provides insight into various factors that play a role in growth and development an individual. A total of 142 adolescents, 112 boys (n=112) and 30 girls (n=30) studying in eleventh and twelfth graders were included. The sample consisted of 61 students from eleventh graders and 81 students from twelfth graders from a particular Government school in Chandigarh from vocational (N=56) and science (N=86) streams. The sampling procedure was thus, purposive. The Student Problem Checklist (SPC) developed by The National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT, undated) was used the tool used. It comprised of 200 questions. The findings indicated the sample to be well adjusted in each of the areas. The adolescents from eleventh grader were found to be facing more problems as compared to the adolescents of twelfth graders, especially in the areas of economic status, social, family, self-perception, anxiety, religion, occupation, and studies. The adolescents from the vocational stream were found to be facing more problems in the areas of health, economic status and religion that those from the science stream. Need for assistance for guidance is thus reflected. Sufficient knowledge regarding career opportunities and remuneration can help them feel more secure and feel better adjusted