Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 1, Number 1 (2014), pp. 1 - 8
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
www.aryapgcollege.com
Role of Coping Strategies in Reducing Stress in Adolescents
Abha khetarpal, Kamna Duggal
Associate Professor, Project Fellow
Department of Home Science, D.A.V. College for Girls, Yamunanagar (Haryana), India
Email: abhakhetarpal@rediffmail.com
Introduction
Adolescence is a time of change and transition in almost every aspect of life. It is one of the fastest periods of growth in a person's life, second only to infancy. Issues related to forming an identity and adapting to impending maturity are central to an adolescent’s anxiety (Rajalakshmi 2003). Anxiety and depression, especially existential depression are not uncommon .They enter into the adult society by means of projects, life plans, the theoretical systems and have ideas of political or social reforms (Piaget 1968). Good habits are learnt best by them in an environment that recognizes and permits changing behavior with advancing maturity that promotes good mental and physical health, provides pleasant experiences and furnishes an opportunity for learning (Orent 1949). Teenagers will mature more happily if they know how to cope with stress and will be healthier (Duncan 1964). Some of the reasons given for the difficulties of parenting an adolescent include loss of control over the adolescent and fear for the adolescent's safety due to increased independence (Breckenridge and Vincent 1967). The primary reasons cited for parental stress include the adolescent's push for freedom, failure to follow parental advice, and deviant behavior. Stress is the non-specific response of the body to any demand made upon it. Stress is an adaptive response. It is the body’s reaction to an event that is seen as emotionally disturbing, disquieting or threatening. The present study aims at knowing the effect of various stressors on the behavioral patterns of adolescents and the role of coping strategies in effective stress-management. It was undertaken with the following objectives in mind:
• To measure the stress-levels of adolescents (Both frequency and quantity of stress).
• To give them counseling and coping strategies.
• To evaluate the role of counseling and coping strategies in effective stress- management.
Methodology
Different components of stress were measured, i.e. frustration, conflict, pressure and anxiety. The total scores were the sum of frequency and quantity scores. For negative statements it was just vice-versa. Each scale yielded frequency of the stress score, quantity of the stress score and total stress score.
According to standardized test, the categorization of stress scores was as follows:
P-70 or above (High stress)
P-69 to P-31 (Average stress)
P-30 or below ( Low stress)
The Bisht Battery of Stress Scales have thirteen scales to measure stress. The questionnaire was given to respondents and was collected after a month.
Coping Scale and Coping Score
The coping strategies, used to deal with stress, were found out by giving them a coping inventory by Steven Hobfoll. Scoring was done using four point scale. Overall score was calculated. The coping scores were categorized as follows:
3.5 (Superior stress copier)
2.5 to 3.4 (Above average stress copier)
1.5 to 2.4 (Average stress copier).
The stress and the coping scores of the fifty respondents were calculated. The respondents were again contacted and were given certain Coping Strategies which they were asked to follow to reduce stress (Attached as handout of coping strategies). After three months, the respondents were again given the questionnaires and their stress and coping scores were again calculated to find out the impact of coping strategies in effective stress management.
Results and Discussion
The frequency and quantity of different types of stress was measured. Frustration, Conflict, Pressure and Anxiety were measured and the total stress scores were calculated. Coping scores were also calculated. Reactions to stress vary with the adolescents’ ability to cope, how long the stress continues and the intensity of stress. It has been further found out that under stressful conditions, 75 per cent of the respondents actively used to seek comfort from others whereas 25 per cent of the studied adolescents withdrew from others (Table 1).
The results show that stress in adolescents reduces as their coping skills improve. The stress score decreases and coping score increases after counseling and the dilemmas faced by the adolescents are also reduced. Different coping strategies like exercise, yoga, meditation, bio-feedback and social support from family members, friends along with a positive attitude towards life could help adolescents face any stressful situation and manage it. Appropriate coping patterns and stress appraisal techniques can play an important role in helping adolescents deal with day-to-day stress. Not all stress is detrimental, without it, life would be boring as it makes us more alert, energizes us and provides motivation to do better. Social support may act as a buffer against psychological stress and modulate disease susceptibility. Learning right coping techniques, planning short and long-term goals can go a long way in managing stress. These will help them in controlling the situation instead of letting the situation control them.
Ways to Strengthen Relationship with Adolescents
Understanding: One of most important ways to connect with the adolescent is to understand the teen's world.
Social: Friends play a much more important role in the life of adolescent than parents.
Psychological: Adolescents undergo changes as they strive to move from independence to inter-dependence.
Physical and sexual maturation: Puberty involves several changes which affect the way adolescents view themselves.
Thinking: Adolescents make great leaps in their ability to think.
Support: Parental support is one of the most important contributions for adolescents’ development.
Affection: Don't assume your kids know how much you love them - tell them!
Companionship: Spending time with your adolescent can be a wonderful way to stay connected.
Contact: Your son or daughter needs you to be there for them. Your consistent presence in their lives is an important part of their security.
Communication: Adolescents are comforted by knowing you're there to listen.
Handout of Coping Strategies
Attitude is what makes the difference. Have a positive attitude towards past. Do not brood.
Break the routine.
Control the phone as it can be an irritant when it interrupts the thought process.
Downsize your life. Avoid taking more responsibility than you can handle.
Exercise control on those extra unwanted calories. Eating a balanced diet improves health.
Feel good thought should engulf the mind.
Gain a sense of control. Organize and set priorities for your work.
Have a schedule. This helps you to carry out your planned work.
Inculcate flexibility in your thoughts and actions. Remember “To err is human.”
Just improve your communication skills.
Keep in touch. Be social.
Listen to tunes. Music can minimize the stress response.
Meditate Practise deep breathing. This helps to re-establish energy and balance.
Nature with its abundance has lot to offer. Fresh air can help clear your mind.
Operate openly and in a transparent manner.
Pen down your thoughts. Write about your troubles. It gives vent to your feelings.
Quit all inductive indulgences such as alcohol. Stress relief provided by them is temporary.
Rest and Rejuvenate .Get enough rest. Make 7-8 hours night sleep a priority.
Set a worry schedule. Keep aside time for fretting. You will be able to eliminate stress from other parts of the day.
References
Bisht AR (1987) Manual for Bisht Battery of Stress Scales. Texas: Psychological Corporation
Breckenridge ME and Vincent LE (1967) Child and Development. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company: 121-123.
Duncan GG (1964) Diseases of Metabolism (5th Edition). Philadelphia: WBSaunders Company: 23-32
Hobfoll SE (1988) The Ecology of Stress. New York: Hemispher.
Orent K (1949) The Breakfast Meal in Relation to Blood Sugar. Washington:US Department of Agriculture: 23-25.
Piaget J (1968) Six Psychological Studies- The Mental Development of a Child. New York: Vintage Books: 67.
Rajalakshmi TK (2003) Front Line, Oct. 25 Nov -27 Nov, Hindu Publishers:1-3
