1
YOUSUF JAMIL SIDDIQUI (8888) AHSAN ADIL SHAMSI (9168) MOHAMMAD
MAIRAJ ASIM (8865) BILAL AHMED (8806) BBA (H) SECTION C. PSYCHOLOGY
REPORT.
LETTER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
April 9th, 2009 Dear Readers, We would first like to thank the
Almighty Allah for giving us the strength and endowing us with the
privilege of completing our report on the subject of Stress in
Youth. We are also extremely thankful to our mentor and guide Mrs.
Nadia Ayub Ali for her constant support, encouragement and
guidance, without which we could not have successfully achieved our
task. We would also like to thank all the participants of the
research, our family; friends and course fellows who spared their
valuable time to help us and provided us the guidance to finally
come up with this report. We will seek your continuous assistance
and support in future Sincerely,
STRESS IN YOUTH
YOUSUF JAMIL SIDDIQUI (8888) AHSAN ADIL SHAMSI (9168) MOHAMMAD
MAIRAJ ASIM (8865) BILAL AHMED (8806) BBA (H) SECTION C.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY...................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................2WHAT
IS
STRESS?....................................................................................................................2
TYPES OF
STRESS....................................................................................................................2
BIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF
STRESS.............................................................................................2
GENERAL CAUSES OF STRESS IN
YOUTH.................................................................................3
EFFECTS OF
STRESS................................................................................................................3
SMOKING CAUSES MORE STRESS RATHER THAN DECREASE IT. .3
METHODOLOGY............................................................................5THE
SAMPLE............................................................................................................................5
INSTRUMENT...........................................................................................................................5
PROCEDURE............................................................................................................................5
STATISTICAL
ANALYSIS............................................................................................................6
RESULTS......................................................................................7
DISCUSSION...............................................................................12
RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................17
REFERENCES...............................................................................18
APPENDIX A: RESPONSE
CHARTS...............................................19
APPENDIX B: SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE...26
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYPurpose of this study is to analyze what
youngsters think are the major causes of stress for their
generation, and how can it be best tackled. This study examines the
relation of stress with different factors (namely, Academic
workload & competition, daily hassles, terrorism, generation
gap, close relationships, peer & group pressure and smoking)
for male and female genders separately. In March 2009,
questionnaires were sent out to a sample of people comprising of
youngsters; mostly students of university level and some being part
time workers. It included 19 questions, relevant to the topic of
the study. A Total of 100 usable replies were received (70 males
& 30 females). The respondents belong to different localities
of Karachi, Pakistan. The statistics of each question of all 100
respondents was taken on list and then categorized according to 19
different questions, separating the genders. The score of each
question was then averaged by number of respondents and then the
percentage responses were determined. Academic workload was
observed to be the biggest source of stress for the youth for both
genders followed by High expectations of Parents & teachers,
Societal conditions, Peer & Group Pressure, Daily hassles, and
Generation gap respectively. It was also found that there is a lack
of understanding of positive stressreducing techniques in the
youth, and the stress faced by youth because of the above mentioned
factors does not make them feel suicidal. Smoking causes more
stress rather than decrease it. An important finding was that most
youngsters think that stress can help improve performance to some
extent. It was definitely required to conduct some study that can
reveal the effectiveness of different stressors on youth because in
recent years the levels of stress reported as being suffered by
youngsters has risen dramatically in relation to changes in our
society.
INTRODUCTIONThe first step before designing the questionnaire
Online articles and magazines related to Teenage consulted for the
background information and effectiveness on human psyche. Below are
the collected in this step. was literature review. and Youth stress
were to learn about their important information
WHAT IS STRESS? Stress is "a particular pattern of disturbing
psychological and physiological reactions that occur when an
environment or event threatens important motives and taxes one's
ability to cope." In plain English, stress is the "wear and tear"
our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing
environment. But not all stress is bad -some stress is good. In
fact, everyone needs stress in their lives; without it, life would
be dull and unexciting. Stress adds flavour, challenge and
opportunity to life. Stress can pump you up, give you energy,
supply that zest for living. TYPES OF STRESS There are four main
types of stress that people experience. Eustress: is a type of
short-term stress that provides immediate strength. Eustress arises
at points of increased physical activity, enthusiasm, and
creativity. Eustress is a positive stress that arises when
motivation and inspiration are needed. A gymnast experiences
eustress before a competition. Distress: is a negative stress
brought about by constant readjustments or alterations in a
routine. Distress creates feelings of discomfort and unfamiliarity.
There are two types of distress. Acute stress is an intense stress
that arrives and disappears quickly. Chronic stress is a prolonged
stress that exists for weeks, months, or even years. Someone who is
constantly relocating or changing jobs may experience distress.
Hyper stress: occurs when an individual is pushed beyond what he
or she can handle. Hyper stress results from being overloaded or
overworked. When someone is hyper stressed, even little things can
trigger a strong emotional response. A Wall Street trader is likely
to experience hyper stress. Hypo stress: is the opposite of hyper
stress. Hypo stress occurs when an individual is bored or
unchallenged. People who experience hypo stress are often restless
and uninspired. A factory worker who performs repetitive tasks
might experience hypo stress. BIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF STRESS Within
the brain, neurotransmitters are responsible for sending and
receiving messages between cells. There are two types of
neurotransmitters; one group is considered the happy messengers,
and the other group is considered the sad messengers. The happy
messenger group is made up of Serotonin, Noradrenalin, and
Dopamine. Serotonin regulates the body clock. It is responsible for
setting waking and sleeping patterns, and it sets bodily functions
to the same rhythm. It is generally the first messenger to begin to
fail under distress, and this failure will cause sleeplessness in
the overstressed. Noradrenalin is responsible for our energy
levels. It is the messenger that makes us feel energized and
enthusiastic. When this neurotransmitter begins to fail, overly
stressed teens will begin to feel a lack of energy, and they wont
feel like they have the energy to get anything done. Dopamine is
the neurotransmitter that runs the pleasure centre of the brain.
Its failure will cause an inability to take pleasure in things that
one used to enjoy. The failing of these neurotransmitters lowers a
persons tolerance to stress even more. Poor diet, lack of regular
sleep, and lack of physical exercise makes it harder for the body
to replenish its stores of these chemicals when theyre depleted.
GENERAL CAUSES OF STRESS IN YOUTH Different surveys conducted,
articles and reports show that one third of youngsters suffer at
least one episode of stress every week. Though stress has the same
kind of response in all the age groups, the stress factors are
different. A general idea shows that the biggest causes of stress
in
youngsters are: Academic workload, Jobs, Daily hassles,
Generation gap, Romantic relationships & Problems with friends
& siblings EFFECTS OF STRESS If stressors that a youngster is
dealing with are allowed to pile up and are not dealt with in a
proper manner, the teen will experience distress. Too much stress
can cause the youngster to go into a physical state of distress. As
the stress depletes their brain of important chemicals needed to
regulate emotion, they will begin to feel physical and mental
symptoms that can disrupt enjoyment of normal life. Becoming overly
stressed can have many adverse side effects. It can make a
youngster more susceptible to illness. It can also make them feel
very tired and ill equipped to deal with lifes ups and downs. Left
to fester, distress can cause depression, a constant sense of
boredom, severe emotional upset, ulcers, and irritable bowel
syndrome among other things. If a youngster does not learn proper
coping techniques early, it can lead to a lifetime of constant
overstress. SMOKING CAUSES MORE STRESS RATHER THAN DECREASE IT Many
youngsters take up smoking to reduce stress. Studies conducted show
that tobacco use increases stress instead of alleviating it. If you
smoke to reduce stress, you are only adding to your stress,
according to a new review of psychological studies in the October
issue of the American Psychological Association's American
Psychologist. Psychologist Andy Parrott, Ph.D., of the University
of East London says the evidence shows that the apparent relaxant
effect of smoking only reflects the reversal of the tension and
irritability that develop during nicotine depletion. Far from
acting as an aid for mood control, nicotine dependency seems to
increase stress. Professor Parrott reviewed studies on the
smoking/stress relationship. According to his studies of initiation
and stress during adolescence, evidence shows that novice smokers
report increasing stress as they develop regular patterns of
smoking. A study of Canadian school children found that regular and
heavy smokers reported significantly higher stress than did
nonsmokers. In a study of American adolescents, the teenagers were
asked about their smoking behaviour and feeling states over the
previous two years. The findings indicated there was an increase in
affective distress as the adolescents moved from experimental to
more regular smoking. Professor Parrott says studies show that
quitting smoking reduces stress. In a review of cross-sectional
studies, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that former smokers
were found to be less stressed than current smokers in some
studies, whereas in other studies the two groups did not differ
significantly. However, not a single study found former smokers to
be more stressed than current smokers. Professor Parrott says that
stress may be caused by nicotine dependency. Professor Parrott says
that the message that tobacco use does not alleviate stress but
actually increases it needs to be far more widely known. He says
this may help many adults to stop smoking, keep former smokers who
have recently quit from relapsing and help more young people
withstand the social pressures to try cigarettes. Source:(Article:
"Does Cigarette Smoking Cause Stress?" Andy C. Parrott, Ph.D)
After literature review and our observation of growing stress in
youth we felt that it is definitely required to conduct some study
that can reveal the effectiveness of different stressors on youth
because in recent years the levels of stress reported as being
suffered by youngsters has risen dramatically in relation to
changes in our society, in our homes, and in schools.
METHODOLOGYTHE SAMPLE In March 2009, around 108 questionnaires
were sent out to a sample of people comprising of youngsters;
mostly students of university level, A-level, and some being part
time workers. The final instrument i.e. questionnaire included 19
questions, relevant to the topic of the study. A Total of 100
usable replies were received a response rate of 92.59%. The people
who responded to the survey belong to different localities of
Karachi, Pakistan. Demographics of the respondents are as
follows,AGE 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Grand Total Sum of NO. RESPONDENTS
3 22 36 18 15 4 2 100 OF
GENDER
NO.OF RESPONDENTS
MALE 70 INSTRUMENT With the criticality of the time factor, 30 a
certain sample size was decided to FEMALE be used for conducting
the survey. It GRAND TOTAL 100 was decided to use a comprehensive
questionnaire as an instrument for gathering survey data. Some
statistical operations were performed on the gathered raw data to
convert it into more structured and analytical form for drawing
inferences. PROCEDURE A survey questionnaire was constructed, the
copies of which were distributed among the group members to conduct
the survey. Each member was to obtain responses from at least 25
participants. For demographic factors, respondents were asked to
indicate their age, gender, and occupation and education level. We
used 3 levels of intensity in most of the questions i.e. Yes very
much, To some extent, Not at all. Also in some questions, the
fourth option was open-ended saying Please specify if others, in
which the respondents were to give their suggestions. The
questionnaire was intelligently divided and the flow was maintained
in question so as to maintain the logical flow of thoughts. The
questionnaire was constructed keeping in view the 11 factors (shown
in table A-1) and the responses were categorized and analyzed
accordingly.
Factor
No. of Factor Description Question s 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 4
FRUSTRATION TERRORISM DAILY HASSLES ACADEMIC WORKLOAD/ COMPETITION
GENERATION GAP CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS JOB OPPORTUNITIES/ COMPETITION
PUBLIC IMAGE & LOOKS SMOKING AND DRUGS PEER AND GROUP PRESSURE
COPING WITH STRESS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Table A-1 indicating the 11 factors considered before designing
the questionnaire
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Analysis has been based on the number of
people answering the question concerned. All the 19 questions were
based on the above 11 factors important for analyzing the causes
and effects of stress in youth. The statistics of each question of
all 100 respondents was taken on list and then categorized
according to 19 different questions, separating the genders. The
score of each question was then averaged by number of respondents
and then the percentage responses were determined and using those
figures, the tables and charts were made which are discussed
further in the report. Based on these percentages, the relation of
the above mentioned factors with stress was determined.
RESULTSPresented below are the different percentage responses of
the participants to the 19 different questions of the survey
questionnaire. Table 1.1: representing the question, How do you
feel when you get stressed?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 27.1
4 26.66 12.8 5 23.33 52.8 5 50 6.3 0
UNABLE TO SLEEP LOSS OF APPETITE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OTHERS
Table 1.2: representing the question, Does academic workload
cause stress to you?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 34.2 8 43.33
52.8 5 46.66 12.8 5 10
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NEVER
Table 1.3: representing the question, Does academic competition
cause stress to you?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NEVER
24.2 8 54.2 8 21.4 2
13.33 70 16.66
Table 1.4: representing the question, The fear that what you are
studying today will be outdated and of less demand in the future
stresses you?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 11.4 2 13.33 51.4 2
33.33 37.1 4 53.33
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NEVER
Table 1.5: representing the question, Does failing to get
admission in a desired institution or field of interest stress
you?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 48.5 7 53.33 34.2 8 33.33
17.1 4 13.33
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NEVER
Table 1.6: representing the question, High expectation of
parents & teachers is a cause of stress, do you agree?RESPONSE
YES,VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NO PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 60 33.33
32.8 5 53.33 7.14 13.33
Table 1.7: representing the question, Do you find the generation
gap responsible for growing stress in youth?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE %
MAL E FEMALE 15.7 1 23.33 50 50 34.2 8 26.66
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NO
Table 1.8: representing the question, Is your public image a
cause of stress to you?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 22.8 5
16.66 32.8 5 20 44.2 8 63.33
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NO
Table 1.9: representing the question, How much influence does
competition in peer group has on your lifestyle?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE
% MAL E FEMALE 17.1 4 16.66 45.7 1 56.66 37.1 4 26.66
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NOT AT ALL
Table 2.1: representing the question, Do you think that many
youngsters take up drugs due to peer & group pressure?RESPONSE
YES MAYBE NO PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 50 56.66 38.5 7 33.33 11.4 2
10
Table 2.2: representing the question, Todays youth gets involved
into a lot of violent activities due to peer & group
pressure?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 35.7 1 43.33 8.57 6.66
55.7 1 50
YES NO, NOT AT ALL TO SOME EXTENT
Table 2.3: representing the question, From the following, which
stresses you the most, in terms of societal issues?RESPONSE
PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 24.2 8 36.66 52.8 5 33.33 4.28 26.66 17.1
4 3.33 0.94 0
TERRORISM LAW & ORDER OF KHI GENERATION GAP WHO CARES ABOUT
THESE ISSUES OTHERS
Table 2.4: representing the question, How do you feel when stuck
in a traffic jam?RESPONSE EXTREMELY IRRITATED I REMAIN CALM I'M
USED TO IT PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 41.4 2 40 21.4 2 13.33 37.1 4
46.66
Table 2.5: representing the question, Nowadays, youngsters are
very insecure and stressed about maintaining their close
relationships. How much is it a cause of stress in your
opinion?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 22.8 5 16.66 44.2 8
43.33 18.5 7 13.33 14.2 8 26.66
YES, VERY MUCH TO SOME EXTENT NOT AT ALL DON'T KNOW
Table 2.6: representing the question, When you feel stressed, do
you go to anyone for help?RESPONSE YES NO PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE
30 43.33 44.2 8 36.66
NO ONE CARES FOR ANYONE
25.7 1
20
Table 2.7: representing the question, Did you ever felt suicidal
due to some extreme stress?RESPONSE YES, MANY TIMES NEVER ONCE
PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 7.14 6.66 81.4 2 63.33 11.4 2 30
Table 2.8: representing the question, In your opinion, how much
does stress helps to improve performance?RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % MAL
E FEMALE 14.2 8 10 28.5 7 30 57.1 4 60
YES, VERY MUCH NO, NOT AT ALL TO SOME EXTENT
Table 2.9: representing the question, Rate according to your
opinion as to what is the best way to release ones stress?RESPONSE
SMOKING CONSULT OTHERS MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT OTHERS PERCENTAGE
% MAL E FEMALE 15 7 31.5 40 42 11.5 34 19
Table 3.0: representing the question, What would you suggest
should be done to reduce growing stress level in youth?RESPONSE
PERCENTAGE % MAL E FEMALE 37.1 4 46.66 38.5 7 26.66 12.8 5 16.66
11.4 2 10
REDUCE STUDY LOADS MERIT BASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES REDUCE THE
GENERATION GAP OTHERS
DISCUSSIONPurpose of this study is to analyze what youngsters
think are the major causes of stress for their generation, and how
can it be best tackled. This study examines the effects of
different factors (namely, Academic workload & competition,
daily hassles, terrorism, generation gap, close relationships, peer
& group pressure and smoking) on male and female genders
separately.
How do you feel when you get stressed? In this question, the
majority of the males were of the opinion; aggressive behavior
followed by unable to sleep. Whereas majority of females were of
the opinion; aggressive behavior followed by unable to sleep. The
overall general view could be analyzed as that majority opted that
they show aggressive behavior when they get stressed. In this
question both males and females had the same opinions. However a
small amount of people also listed their views in the others part
as feeling anxiety, high blood pressure and etc. Does academic
workload cause stress to you? In this question, the majority of the
males were of the opinion; yes to some extent followed by yes very
much. Whereas majority of females were of the opinion; yes to some
extent followed by yes very much. The overall general view could be
analyzed as that majority opted that academic workload does cause
stress to them to a certain extent. In this question both males and
females had the same opinions. Does academic competition cause
stress to you? In this question, the majority of the males were of
the opinion; yes to some extent followed by yes very much. Whereas
majority of females were of the opinion; yes to some extent
followed by no. The overall general view could be analyzed as that
majority opted that academic competition does causes
stress to them to a certain extent. In this question both males
and females had the same opinions.The fear that what you are
studying today will be outdated and of
less demand in the future stresses you? In this question, the
majority of the males were of the opinion; yes to some extent
followed by never. Whereas majority of females were of the opinion;
never followed by yes to some extent. The overall general view
could be analyzed as that majority opted that the fear of what they
are studying today will be outdated and of less demand in the
future does not causes stress to them. In this question both males
and females had different opinions, the reason being that in our
society earning is mostly dependent on males and thats why they are
more conscious of the future demand of their careers as compared to
females. Does failing to get admission in a desired institution or
field of interest stress you? In this question, the majority of the
males was of the opinion; yes very much followed by yes to some
extent. Whereas majority of females were of the opinion; yes very
much followed by yes to some extent. The overall general view could
be analyzed as that majority opted that failing to get in a desired
institution or field of interest does causes a great deal of stress
to them.. In this question both males and females had the same
opinion. High expectation of parents & teachers is a cause of
stress, do you agree? In this question, the majority of the males
was of the opinion; yes very much followed by yes to some extent.
Whereas majority of females were of the opinion; yes to some extent
followed by yes very much. The overall general view could be
analyzed as that majority opted that the high expectations of
parents and teachers is a great cause of stress for them. In this
question there was a difference of opinion between males and
females, the reason being the fact that in our society there are
more expectations from male children as compared to female
children. Do you find the generation gap responsible for growing
stress in youth?
In this question, the majority of the males were of the opinion;
to some extent followed by no. Whereas majority of females were of
the opinion; to some extent followed by no. The overall general
view could be analyzed as that majority opted that the generation
gap was responsible to some extent for growing stress in youth. In
this question both males and females had the same opinion. Is your
public image a cause of stress to you? In this question, the
majority of the males were of the opinion; no it is not followed by
to some extent. Whereas majority of females were of the opinion no
it is not followed by to some extent. The overall general view
could be analyzed as that majority opted that their public image
was not a cause of stress for them. In this question both males and
females had the same opinion. How much influence does competition
in peer group has on your lifestyle? In this question, the majority
of the males were of the opinion; yes to some extent followed by
not at all. Whereas majority of females were of the opinion; yes to
some extent followed by not at all. The overall general view could
be analyzed as that majority opted for yes competition in peer
group does have influence on our lifestyle to some extent. In this
question both males and females had the same opinion. Do you think
that many youngsters take up drugs due to peer & group
pressure? In this question, the majority of the males were of the
opinion; yes they do followed by may be. Whereas majority of
females were of the opinion; yes they do followed by may be. The
overall general view could be analyzed as that majority opted for
yes they do take up drugs due to peer and group pressure. In this
question both males and females had the same opinion. Todays youth
gets involved into a lot of violent activities due to peer &
group pressure? In this question, the majority of the males were of
the opinion; yes it does to some extent followed by yes. Whereas
majority of females were of the opinion; yes it does to some extent
followed by yes. The overall general view
could be analyzed as that majority opted for yes it does to some
extent. In this question a greater percentage of males agreed to
the group and peer pressure factor as compared to the females. From
the following, which stresses you the most, in terms of societal
issues? In this question, the majority of the males were of the
opinion; law and order of Karachi followed by terrorism. Whereas
majority of females were of the opinion; terrorism followed by law
and order of Karachi. The overall general view could be analyzed as
that majority opted for the law and order of Karachi. In this
question the reason for the difference of opinion could be the
factor that mostly males are prone to the law and order situation,
such as mobile snatching, car snatching and etc. as compared to the
females. How do you feel when stuck in a traffic jam? In this
question, the majority of the males were of the opinion that they
feel extremely irritated followed by that they are used to it now.
Whereas majority of females were of the opinion that they are used
to it now followed by they feel extremely irritated. The overall
general view could be analyzed as that majority opted that they are
used to it now. In this question the reason for the difference of
opinion could be the factor that mostly males are the ones driving.
Nowadays, youngsters are very insecure and stressed about
maintaining their close relationships. How much is it a cause of
stress in your opinion? In this question, the majority of the males
were of the opinion that yes it does cause to some extent followed
by yes very much. Whereas majority of females were of the opinion
that yes it does cause to some extend followed by dont know. The
overall general view could be analyzed as that majority opted that
yes it does cause to some extent. When you feel stressed, do you go
to anyone for help? In this question, the majority of the males
were of the opinion that they dont go to anyone for help followed
by yes they do consult for help. Whereas majority of females were
of the opinion that they do consult for help followed
by dont go to anyone for help. The overall general view could be
analyzed as that majority opted that they dont go to anyone for
help.
Did you ever felt suicidal due to some extreme stress? In this
question, the majority of the males were of the opinion that they
never felt suicidal followed by once. Whereas majority of females
were of the opinion that they never felt suicidal followed by once.
The overall general view could be analyzed as that majority opted
that they never ever felt suicidal in their life. In your opinion,
performance? how much does stress help to improve
In this question, the majority of the males were of the opinion
that it does help to some extent followed by not at all. Whereas
majority of females were of the opinion that it does help to some
extent followed by not at all. The overall general view could be
analyzed as that majority opted that it does help to improve to
some extent. Rate according to your opinion as to what is the best
way to release ones stress? In this question, the majority of the
males were of the opinion that the best way is through music and
entertainment followed by consulting others. Whereas majority of
females were of the opinion that the best way is to consult others
followed by music and entertainment. The overall general view could
be analyzed as that majority opted in the favor of music and
entertainment. There was a difference of opinion between males and
females as males mostly have a better tendency to hide their
emotions within themselves and not expressing them, whereas females
are great at expressing themselves and taking help from others. A
large group of people also mentioned different views in the others
part, which included prayers, meditation, outing, sleeping, taking
bath and etc. What would you suggest should be done to reduce
growing stress level in youth? In this question, the majority of
the males were of the opinion that the best way is to provide merit
based job opportunities followed by reducing study loads. Whereas
majority of females were of the opinion that the best way is to
reduce study loads followed by providing job based opportunities.
The
overall general view could be analyzed as that majority opted in
the favor of reducing study loads. There was a difference of
opinion between males and females due to the fact that males
consider jobs more important whereas females consider studies as
more important. In the others part people expresses views such as;
providing outdoor activities, improving the law and order, reducing
the peer group pressure and etc.
RECOMMENDATIONSThe youth stress should be dealt with both at
home and outside home. The youth should be allowed to talk freely
about their problems, parents and teachers should teach them stress
relief methods and the youngsters should set only reasonable goals
in both curricular and extra curricular activities. Effective
Stress Management courses should be offered by educational
institutes which can be of great help to the young generation in
learning positive methods of coping with stress.
CONCLUSIONThe Conclusions that we can draw from the whole
research work are that youngsters belonging to both the genders are
somewhat equally affected by stress. The Youth use both healthy and
unhealthy ways to cope up with stress. Girls respond to stress by
seeking help from others or by taking certain positive actions to
reduce stress while boys respond to stress by not dealing with the
stress positively or by engaging the mind away from the sources of
stress e.g. smoking, adopting aggressive behavior etc. Academic
workload and competition is the biggest source of stress, followed
by High expectations of Parents & teachers, Societal
conditions, Peer & Group Pressure, Daily hassles, and
Generation gap respectively. It was also found that there is a lack
of understanding of positive stress-reducing techniques in the
youth, and the stress faced by youth because of the above mentioned
factors does not make them feel suicidal. An important finding was
that most youngsters think that stress can help improve performance
to some extent.
REFERENCES1. Introduction to Psychology, by Benjamin Lahey. 2.
Article: "Does Cigarette Smoking Cause Stress?" Andy C. Parrott,
Ph.D. 3. Davis et al. (June 2007). Prenatal Exposure to Maternal
Depression and Cortisol Influences Infant Temperament. Journal of
the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, v46 n6
p737. 4. Schore, Allan (2003). Affect Regulation & the Repair
of the Self. New York: W.W. Norton. 5. The Stress of Life, Hans
Selye, 1956. 6. www.apa.org 7. www.librarythinkquest.com
APPENDIX A:
RESPONSE CHARTS
Chart 1.1: representing the question, How do you feel when you
get stressed?
Chart 1.2: representing the question, Does academic workload
cause stress to you?
Chart 1.3: representing the question, Does academic competition
cause stress to you?
Chart 1.4: representing the question, The fear that what you are
studying today will be outdated and of less demand in the future
stresses you?
Chart 1.5: representing the question, Does failing to get
admission in a desired institution or field of interest stress
you?
Chart 1.6: representing the question, High expectation of
parents & teachers is a cause of stress, do you agree?
Chart 1.7: representing the question, Do you find the generation
gap responsible for growing stress in youth?
Chart 1.8: representing the question, Is your public image a
cause of stress to you?
Chart 1.9: representing the question, How much influence does
competition in peer group has on your lifestyle?
Chart 2.1: representing the question, Do you think that many
youngsters take up drugs due to peer & group pressure?
Chart 2.2: representing the question, Todays youth gets involved
into a lot of violent activities due to peer & group
pressure?
Chart 2.3: representing the question, From the following, which
stresses you the most, in terms of societal issues?
Chart 2.4: representing the question, How do you feel when stuck
in a traffic jam?
Chart 2.5: representing the question, Nowadays, youngsters are
very insecure and stressed about maintaining their close
relationships. How much is it a cause of stress in your
opinion?
Chart 2.6: representing the question, When you feel stressed, do
you go to anyone for help?
Chart 2.7: representing the question, Did you ever felt suicidal
due to some extreme stress?
Chart 2.8: representing the question, In your opinion, how much
does stress helps to improve performance?
Chart 2.9: representing the question, Rate according to your
opinion as to what is the best way to release ones stress?
Chart 3.0: representing the question, What would you suggest
should be done to reduce growing stress level in youth?
APPENDIX B:
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
Title of study: Causes of growing stress in youth. Principal
Investigators: Yousuf Jamil Siddiqui, Ahsan Adil, Bilal Ahmed &
Mairaj Asim. Institute: Institute Of Business Management.
Introduction: We, students of Introduction to Psychology course at
the Institute of Business Management are doing a research on THE
CAUSES OF GROWING STRESS IN YOUTH. We would like to invite you to
join this research study. Background Information: Stress is a
biological term which refers to the consequences of the failure of
a human or animal body to respond appropriately to emotional or
physical threats to the organism, whether actual or imagined. In
recent years the levels of stress reported as being suffered by
teenagers has risen dramatically in relation to changes in our
society, in our schools and in our homes. Where once perhaps
teenagers did not suffer too greatly from stress, the tide has
turned and they can suffer as much from the condition as adults can
and, in some instances, more so. Purpose of this study: Purpose of
this study is to know what youngsters think are the major causes of
stress for their generation, in what way does it affect them, and
how can it be best released. Possible risks or benefits: There is
no risk involved in this study except your valuable time. There is
no direct benefit to you also. However, the results of the study
may help us to formulate the major causes of stress in youth and
their possible solutions. Right of Refusal to participate &
withdrawal: You are free to choose to participate in the study. You
may refuse to participate without any loss of benefit which you are
otherwise entitled to. You may also withdraw any time from the
study without any adverse effect. You may also refuse to answer
some or all questions if you dont feel comfortable with those
questions. Confidentiality: This information provided by you will
remain confidential. Nobody except principal investigator will have
an access to it. Your name and identity will also not be disclosed
at any time. Authorization: I have read and understand this consent
form, and I volunteer to participate in this research study.
Participants signature: ___________ Principal Investigators
signature: ________
Name (optional): ____________
Age: ________
Occupation: _________
Gender: Male
Female
Institute: ______________________
Instructions: Please read the following questionnaire carefully,
and circle the best suitable answer that you think.1) How do you
feel when you get stressed? a) Unable to sleep c) Not wanting to go
out a)Yes, very much c) Never a)Yes, very much c) Never future
stresses you? a)Yes, very much c) Never b)Loss of appetite d) If
others, please specify___________ b)To some extent
2) Does academic workload cause stress to you?
3) Does academic competition cause stress to you?
b)To some extent
4) The fear that what you are studying today will be outdated
and of less demand in the
b)To some extent
5) Does failing to get admission in a desired institution or
field of interest stress you? a)Yes, very much b)To some extent c)
Never 6) High expectation of parents & teachers is a cause of
stress, do you agree? a)Yes, very much b)To some extent c) No 7) Do
you find the generation gap responsible for growing stress in
youth? a)Yes, very much b)To some extent c)No8) Is your public
image a cause of stress to you?
a)Yes, very much c)No a)Yes, very much c) Not at all
b)To some extent
9) How much influence does competition in peer group has on your
lifestyle?
b)To some extent
10) Do you think that many youngsters take up drugs due to peer
& group pressure? a)Yes b)May be c) No 11) Todays youth gets
involved into a lot of violent activities due to peer & group
pressure? a)Yes b)No, Not at all c) True, to some extent12)From the
following, which stresses you the most, in terms of societal
issues?
a)Terrorism c) Who cares about these issues!!
b)Law and Order Of Karachi d) If others, please
specify:_____________
13) How do you feel when stuck in a traffic jam? a) Extremely
irritated b)I remain calm c) Im used to it now14)Nowadays,
youngsters are very insecure and stressed about maintaining their
close
relationships. How much is it a cause of stress in your opinion?
a)Yes, very much b)To some extent c) Not at all d)Dont know 15)
When you feel stressed, do you go to anyone for help? a)Yes b) No
c) No one cares for anyone Please specify who the person is:
_____________. 16) Did you ever felt suicidal due to some extreme
stress? a)Yes, many times b)Never c) Once 17) In your opinion, how
much does stress helps to improve performance? a) Yes, very much b)
No, not at all c)To some extent 18) Rate according to your opinion
as to what is the best way to release ones stress? (Rate from 1 to
3; 1 being the highest) A B C D Smoking & Drugs Consult for
advice Music & entertainment If others, please
specify__________________________
19) What would you suggest should be done to reduce growing
stress level in youth? a) Reduce study loads b) Merit based job
opportunities c) Reduce the generation gap d) If others, please
specify____________
