DIFFERENCES IN STRESS AMONG GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Stress Levels Among Class 12 Students in Private and Government Schools

Introduction

This research is a cross-sectional comparative study aimed at comparing stress levels and associated factors among Class 12 students in private and government schools in Delhi. The study focuses on quantifying and comparing four factors contributing to stress: Pressure, Physical Stress, Anxiety, and Frustration.

Methodology

Sample

The study included a total of 60 students (30 from private schools and 30 from government schools) aged 17 to 19 years. Class 12 students were chosen as they were preparing for the CBSE Board Examinations, making them a suitable sample for assessing stress levels.

Data Collection

Data was collected in January 2016 using the Stress Scale developed by Dr. Vijay Lakshmi and Dr. Shruti Narain, published by the National Psychological Corporation, Agra (2013). The scale consists of 40 items in English and assesses four major dimensions of stress: Pressure, Physical Stress, Frustration, and Anxiety.

Statistical Analysis

Appropriate statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, and t-tests were used to compute and analyze the data.

Results

Overall Stress Levels

The findings revealed a significant difference in stress levels between private and government school students. Private school students scored higher on overall stress compared to government school students.

Stress Factors

Stress Factor	Private School Students	Government School Students	Significance
Pressure	No significant difference	No significant difference	Not Significant
Physical Stress	Higher	Lower	Significant
Anxiety	Higher	Lower	Significant
Frustration	Higher	Lower	Significant

Key findings include:

• No significant difference in Pressure between private and government school students.
• Significant differences in Physical Stress, Anxiety, and Frustration between private and government school students.

Conclusion

The study concludes that private school students experience higher overall stress levels compared to government school students. Significant differences were observed in Physical Stress, Anxiety, and Frustration, while Pressure levels were similar across both groups. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address stress among Class 12 students, particularly in private schools.

References

• Dr. Vijay Lakshmi & Dr. Shruti Narain (2013). Stress Scale. National Psychological Corporation, Agra.

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