A Study on Relationship between Academic Stress

and Coping Strategies

among Adolescent Boarders

Chapter 1

Introduction

One’s body's response to pressure from an occasion or circumstance is called a stress

response. It could be an emotional, mental, or bodily response. Everybody experiences stress

at some time in their lives. It could be the work, a family illness, or financial difficulties. A

recent survey found that all most all the people experience moderate stress. All stress is not

negative. It can help one to stay more focused and mindful of the surroundings. Stress may

occasionally offer energy and enable one to accomplish more.

Theoretical Background of stress

Before the 1920s, the word "stress" didn't have any of its modern meanings. It is a

variation of the Middle English word destresse, which was taken from the Latin stringere, "to

draw tight" through old French. The phrase had a lengthy history in physics and was used to

describe how a force applied to a material body caused strain internally. In the 1920s and 1930s,

the phrase was occasionally used in biological and psychological circles to describe a mental

strain or a potentially harmful environmental agent. In 1926, Walter Cannon used it to describe

outside forces that upset what he termed homeostasis. But "...both lay and expert life narratives

before the 1930s lack stress as an explanation of real experience. Physical reactions that happen

as a direct result of a stressor upsetting the body's equilibrium are collectively known as

physiological stress. The body reacts to an instant disruption of either psychological or bodily

equilibrium by activating the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. These systems'
responses result in a number of bodily modifications that have an impact on the body both

immediately and over time. (Muthukumar & Nachiappan, 2013).

An organism's reaction to a stressor, such as an environmental situation, is stress, which

can be physiological, biological, or psychological. The body's response to a situation like a

threat, challenge, or physical and psychological barrier is stress, according to this definition.

The well-known hormones cortisol and adrenaline are two that a person generates when they

are under stress. There are two different degrees of stress hormones. Normal daily levels of

basal (resting) cortisol are required for regular performance. Increases in cortisol as a result of

stresses are known as reactive cortisol levels. Multiple bodily systems react to stimuli that

change an organism's surroundings.

Definitions of the Stress

According to Professor of psychology Richard S. Lazarus, “stress is experienced when

a person perceives that the demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is

able to mobilise” (Definitions of Stress - 380 Words | Studymode, n.d.).

In their 1984 book, "Stress, Appraisal and Coping," psychologists Richard Lazarus and

Susan Folkman define “stress as the body's internal reaction to any external stimulus that is

deemed harmful. This could range from the minor irritation of spilling a coffee to a life-

changing event, such as losing your job” (Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and

Coping - Coping in Stressful Situations, n.d.).

Types of Stress

1: Acute Stress

Acute stress is the result of body’s response to a new or challenging situation. It's that

sensation you experience when a deadline is drawing near or when you just escape being hit
by a car. We may even encounter it as a consequence of an enjoyable activity, like a thrilling

roller coaster journey or a remarkable personal accomplishment. Acute stress is considered as

short-term. Emotions and the body typically come back to normal situation within a short

period of time. (3 Types of Stress: Causes, Effects, & How to Cope - Choosing Therapy, n.d.).

Symptoms of Acute Stress

➢ Pupil dilation: Our pupils enlarge as a result of the fight-or-flight response, allowing

more light to enter the eyes and improving our ability to see our surroundings.

➢ Increased Heart Rate: Another aspect of the fight-or-flight response that may cause

unsettling heart beats.

➢ Perspiration: Stress raises our body temperature, which results in increased sweating.

➢ Fast breathing: This sign belongs to the fight-or-flight response as well. This attempts

to increase the amount of oxygen in the body's systems so that it can respond to stress

more effectively.

➢ Anxiety: This is the worry and fear that develops after being exposed to a stressor.

➢ Emotional ups and downs: It is more about irritability and mood swings.

➢ Sleep issues: Sleep is disturbed by anxiety.

2: Episodic Acute Stress

A person who frequently encounters acute stress is said to have episodic acute stress.

One might feel as though one is constantly under strain or that something is wrong if one suffer

from episodic acute stress. This can be emotionally and physically draining. (Stress: Definition,

Causes, Symptoms, and Management, n.d.).

Symptoms of Episodic Stress

 ➢ Muscle Tension: This is intended to strengthen our body's defences against harm and

discomfort. Our muscles are unable to relax when we are subjected to episodic acute

stresses.

➢ Feeling Overwhelmed: This is the sensation of not being able to handle situations or

see workable answers to your stress-related problems.

➢ Uncontrolled irritability and anger: One notice that one lash out more frequently and

without as much cause. Additionally, might notice that one react strongly to situations

that usually wouldn't.

➢ Migraine: These are frequently brought on by tight muscles. Under episodic acute

stress, migraine frequency and intensity are likely to rise.

➢ Hypertension: Most people won't be conscious that they have high blood pressure. A

medical professional's blood pressure reading is the only accurate method to identify

hypertension.

3: Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is a prolonged and constant feeling of stress that can negatively affect

your health if it goes untreated. It can be caused by the everyday pressures of family and work

or by traumatic situations. (3 Types of Stress: Causes, Effects, & How to Cope - Choosing Therapy,

n.d.).

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

➢ Gaining weight: This frequently follows "stress eating," but it may also follow long-

term hormonal imbalances brought on by chronic stress.

➢ Sleeplessness: Having trouble falling asleep and remaining asleep, which frequently

leaves you feeling unrested after any sleep you may have gotten.
 ➢ Panic Attacks: Acute stress symptoms that appear suddenly along with feelings of

dread and anxiety.

➢ Chronic Headaches: Tension headaches that happen frequently, usually understood as

occurring more than 15 days in a month.

➢ Emotional fatigue: It is feeling tired a majority of the time, irrespective of the type of

rest you’re getting or sleep.

4: Eustress

Eustress refers to beneficial stress, which can be either psychological or physical. It is

not defined by the stress or type, but rather by how that stressor is perceived in a negative

threat versus a positive challenge. Eustress "refers to a positive response one has to a stressor,

which can depend on one's current feelings of control, desirability, location, and timing of the

stressor". Responding to a stressor with a sense of meaning, hope, or vigour may be indicators

of eustress. Eustress has also been linked to higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.

(Hargrove et al., 2013)

Adolescence

Adolescence is a stage of physical and psychological development that usually happens

between puberty and adulthood. Although adolescence is typically thought of as occurring

during the teenage years, its physical, psychological, or cultural manifestations can start or end

sooner or later. Nowadays, especially in females, preadolescence is when puberty usually

starts. Cognitive and physical development can continue past adolescence, especially in boys.

Adolescence can only be roughly defined by age, and academics do not concur on a standard

definition. Adolescents are formally defined by the World Health Organization as being

between the ages of 10 and 19. (Adolescent Health, n.d.).

Adolescents and Stress

 According to the statistics from the American Psychological Association, teenage stress

is comparable to adult stress. According to survey findings, teens not only recognise that their

stress levels are unhealthy, but they also under value the harm that stress does to their physical

and emotional health. School (83 %), getting into a good college or choosing what to do after

high school (69 %), and financial worries for their family are the most frequently mentioned

causes of stress among teenagers (65 %). Many teenagers claim that worry has kept them up at

night (35 %), overeating or consuming unhealthy foods (26 %), and skipping meals (23 %).

Teenagers report feeling agitated or angry 40% of the time, nervous or worried 36% of the

time, tired 36% of the time, and overwhelmed 31% of the time due to stress. All these statistics

show that adolescents need special consideration in dealing with stress. (6 Common Triggers of

Teen Stress, n.d.).

Signs of stress in adolescent Students

All teenagers go through some level of worry, and some stress may even be beneficial.

However, a lot of teenagers experience high levels of stress that impair their ability to study,

form meaningful relationships, and perform other basic tasks. Different stress symptoms can

appear, and some of them can be mistaken for typical adolescent behaviour. Teenagers are

susceptible to worry because of this. The signs that’s found are as follows. (6 Common Triggers

of Teen Stress, n.d.).

➢ Emotional Changes: The adolescent may show signs of agitation, anxiety, or

depression. Pay attention to behaviour changes.

➢ Physical Changes: Teenagers who are under stress are more likely to fall ill and to

experience migraines, stomach-aches, and other aches and pains.

➢ Behavioural changes: Look for changes in eating or sleeping patterns, as well as an

avoidance of routine daily tasks.

 ➢ Cognitive Changes: It includes decreased concentration, forgetfulness, and the

appearance of carelessness.

Common Causes of Adolescent Stress

Each teen is unique, and a variety of things can cause stress. According to the findings,

there are a few prevalent causes of stress among teenagers. Talking openly and honestly with

the adolescent about stress will help one better understand how they handle it and where it

comes from. Parents must help teenagers develop adaptive coping mechanisms by normalising

the idea of stress. (6 Common Triggers of Teen Stress, n.d.; What Is Academic Stress, and How Do I

Handle It? - The Psychology Clinic (Singapore), n.d.). The following are the common causes of their

stress.

➢ Academic Stress.

Teenagers go through a lot of stress connected to school, from grades to test results to college

applications. Teenagers frequently worry about completing academic requirements, winning

over their parents and instructors, and keeping up with their peers. Academic tension can also

be aggravated by having trouble managing your time or feeling overwhelmed by the amount

of work.

➢ Social Stress.

Teenagers respect their social lives highly. They spend most of their waking time with their

peers. So, discovering and maintaining their tribes can occasionally be stressful. Teenagers are

undoubtedly stressed out by bullying and subtly aggressive interpersonal interactions. But

developing adolescents find it challenging to learn how to handle healthy disagreement and

navigate romantic relationships. During the teen years, peer pressure is an extra stressor.

Teenagers may behave in ways that are uncomfortable for them in an attempt to make and keep

friends with their peers.

 ➢ Family Conflict

Anything that strains the family can affect the teen because stress flows down. Teen stress can

increase for a variety of reasons, including unrealistic expectations, marital issues, tense sibling

relationships, including bullying, sickness in the family, and financial strain on the family.

➢ World Events

Parents are alarmed by school shootings, terrorist attacks, and natural catastrophes, but

teenagers are also stressed out by these events. Teenagers frequently have access to the 24-

hour news cycle, and after hearing bits of terrifying domestic and international news, they may

start to worry about their own safety and the safety of their loved ones.

➢ Traumatic Experience

Teenage stress levels can be affected for a long time by the death of a family member or friend,

accidents, illness, or being subjected to emotional or physical abuse. It's also crucial to

remember that 10% of teenagers experience adolescent dating violence.

➢ Significant life Changes

Teenagers go through major life shifts that cause stress just like adults. Teenagers can

experience stress due to moving, beginning a new school, and changes in the make-up of their

families (including divorce and blended families). For a developing teen, not understanding

how to handle significant changes can be overwhelming and perplexing.

Academic Stress

Academic stress occurs when a set of academic-related demands exceed a student’s

existing capability to manage and adapt to these demands (Wilks, 2008). This involves mental

distress regarding expected academic challenges or failure, or even fear of the possibility of

academic failure (What Is Academic Stress, and How Do I Handle It? - The Psychology Clinic

(Singapore), n.d.).

Reasons for Academic Stress

It is very important to know the stresses that students face at school. The awareness helps the

parents and school authorities to help the students to deal stress successfully. The major reasons

for the academic stresses are as follows,

➢ Upcoming Tests

If there are multiple tests coming up, many students worry about getting a high grade or simply

making time to study. Test anxiety affects all students, not just those who struggle

academically. Top achievers frequently worry a lot about performing well on tests.

➢ Overwhelming homework

It's more difficult for the student to finish tasks when he or she is stressed out or overwhelmed

by homework. This may set off a stressful cycle in which students workload mounts and he or

she lacks the energy or time to finish it all, leading to the stress.

➢ A Profound Workload

A heavy workload can be a significant source of stress for students, whether it be due to

advanced-level courses or the amount of studying necessary. As they begin to make post-

secondary arrangements, older high school students are particularly prone to this.

➢ Lack of organization Skills

Students who struggle with lack of organisation skill typically feel more tension at school.

Usually, this occurs because they lack the necessary training, resources, or knowledge to

acquire. If their organisational skills don't advance, they might keep falling behind, which

would increase their tension and frustration at school.

➢ Insufficient "Down Time"

Students with hectic plans are prone to feeling overburdened because they lack relaxation. The

quantity and level of schoolwork increase as the child moves from elementary school to high

school, and students who lack effective time management skills may feel even more stress.
 ➢ Poor sleep habits

Students who don't get enough sleep find it challenging to focus and study effectively. When

the kid is unable to perform well in class or on assignments, this can cause stress in them.

According to studies, students who don't get the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep each

night are more likely to experience stress than those who do.

➢ Taking part in class

Many students find it terrifying to imagine being called upon in class and having to talk in front

of their friends. This may be especially true if your child finds it difficult to keep up in a specific

subject or area.

➢ Not Enough Help

Even if it's only perceived, a lack of support from parents or instructors can cause students a

lot of stress. They might believe that they are being expected to perform well but lack the

necessary mental or material support to fulfil those expectations. Another source of stress that

particularly affects high-achieving pupils is this one.

➢ Making the Switch to a New Setting

Whether starting at a new school or switching from elementary to high school, a big move can

be a stressful time for many students. It may take some time for students to get used to new

routines, instructors, and classes.

➢ Lessons that are Too difficult

Students may experience stress as a result of the greater difficulty as they advance in their

academic careers and begin taking more challenging courses. This is a very typical situation

for teenagers starting high school. As classes become more challenging, it's critical to deal with

problems as they arise so the student can get caught up before falling too far behind.

➢ Schedule Modifications
Students are better able to manage their day when they have a routine that includes set aside

time for schoolwork and a regular sleep schedule. The child may experience increased stress

when routine changes occur because it will be harder for them to handle their time. (11 Common

Causes of School Stress For Students | Oxford Learning, n.d.).

When they are worried and overwhelmed, teenagers some of them don't talk to their

parents. They frequently display this emotional condition in different ways. Some of the

indicators that an adolescent is stressed out are, irritability, impatient, crying spells, mood

swings, headaches and stomach distress, malaise, fatigue, voices concerns about getting into a

good college, a decline in grades, withdraws from friends and family, change in eating habits,

change in sleep habits, decreased concentration, signs of anxiety or depression, negative

attitude, and substance abuse.

COPING STRATEGIES

In an effort to comprehend how individuals cope, hundreds of coping mechanisms have

been proposed. It has not been decided how to group these methods into a more general

architecture. Researchers attempt to categorise coping strategies logically, experimentally

using factor analysis, or by combining both approaches. In addition, individuals can actually

use several coping mechanisms at once. People typically combine a variety of coping

mechanisms, which can evolve over time. All of these techniques have their place, but some

contend that those who use problem-focused coping techniques will fare better in life. While

emotion-focused coping can occasionally result in a reduction in perceived control, problem-

focused coping strategies may give a person a better sense of control over their problem.

(Carver & Connor-Smith, 2010).

 Coping is the people’s capacity to establish, preserve, and restore psychological

homeostasis when this homeostasis is disturbed for any cause. Coping can be useful and

flexible, as well as harmful and ineffective. When coping reduces stress, it is adaptive; when it

doesn't reduce stress or when it causes the person more issues, it is maladaptive. Coping

mechanisms are thoughts, behaviours, attitudes, and emotions that a person can and does use

to deal with stress and any disturbances of their psychosocial homeostasis. (Coping Mechanisms:

NCLEX-RN, n.d.).

Definition of coping

Coping strategies refer to the “specific efforts, both behavioural and psychological, that

people employ to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events”. (Essay about Coping

Strategies - 2267 Words | Bartleby, n.d.; Schaverien, 2011).

Types of coping

➢ Emotion Focused

This coping strategy involves reducing the emotions associated with a stressor while avoiding

addressing the issue. In other words, the goal is to regulate one’s emotional distress by simply

altering the emotional response, which may not address the actual stressor. Some assert that

emotion-focused coping can be dangerous as it is affiliated with mental health issues through

behavioural problems.

➢ Problem Focused

It attempts to control work stressors by defining and interpreting them, planning solutions, and

selecting a course of action. This is in contrast to emotion-focused coping. However, problem-

focused coping is only effective if the person has control over the outcome. It is said to be the

most effective approach to deal with life's problems.

➢ Meaning focused coping

This specific coping method uses cognitive techniques to process and interpret the significance

of a situation. The best time to employ this technique is when one is powerless over the

situation. Someone's tendency to use a meaning-focused coping style may be influenced by

their religion, spiritual views, beliefs about justice, values, and existential objectives.

➢ Social Coping (Support Seeking)

An individual uses a social coping or support-seeking coping style when they ask the

community for emotional or practical support.

➢ Avoidance Focused Coping

Avoiding the stressor by focusing on an alternative person or activity is referred to as an

avoidance coping strategy.

BOARDING SCHOOLS AND BOARDING STUDENTS (BOARDERS)

Boarding school is one where students remain on campus while receiving formal

education. The phrase "boarding" refers to "room and board," or accommodation and meals.

During the academic year, students at boarding schools learn and live with their classmates, as

well as perhaps teachers or administrators. Some boarding institutions also accept day students,

who attend the school during the day and spend the evenings with their families away from

campus. Students who attend boarding schools are commonly referred to as "boarders". Up

until the age of 18, children may attend residential school for a year, twelve years, or longer.

Depending on how often a boarder visits their family. There are different kinds of boarders like

at the conclusion of each school year, semester boarders, full-term boarders, and weekly

boarders visit their homes. Weekend visits are made by weekly boarders. Semi-boarders are

students who attend a boarding school during school hours for formal teaching and

extracurricular activities but leave at night to go home. (Schaverien, 2011).

Stress in Boarding
 ➢ Homesickness

It is undeniable that a child will miss the family and home even though boarding institutions

are full of kids who have a lot in common.

➢ Empty Nest

Parents might also discover that it is mentally too difficult to be apart from their children.

➢ Blending in

There are so many children in boarding, some of them may get speedy acquaintance with it and

some may struggle.

➢ Getting used to

Some students prefer to control their own schedules and do not adapt well to the regulated life

of boarding school. After being gone from home for so long, it might be difficult for these kids

to re-establish contact with the family.

➢ Gender Separation

Most boarding schools are either exclusively for males or exclusively for females, nevertheless,

it is decisive for students to attend coed schools in the modern world.

➢ Other Risks

Bullying is one of the risks, and it can be particularly difficult to eradicate in boarding

institutions where kids spend most of their time together. Food and adjustment with the

caretakers are also stress addition to them.

➢ Academic Pressure

With regular schools, students have the option of leaving and escaping the strain of doing well

in class. However, the pressure is continuous in boarding schools.

Conclusion

Need to write……………...
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