Sources and levels of stress in relation to self-esteem

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the sources and levels of stress and self-esteem among Form 3 students. It is intended to examine gender and school differences in students' sources of stress and self-esteem. The relationship between stress and self-esteem is also investigated. The sample comprises of 437 students, of which 217 are boys and 230 girls. The survey was carried out in April/May 2007 in four Junior Lyceums: two boys' and two girls' schools. The questionnaire was group administered. Results indicate that students are most stressed with aspects related to school. School authorities and the school's environment stress boys more than girls. The study also reveals that girls are more stressed than boys by academic pressure. Boys were found to have a higher self-esteem than their girl counterparts. In general stress and self-esteem are negatively related, meaning that a high level of stress is accompanied by low self-esteem, and vice-versa. The study also reveals that differences in student stress and self-esteem are gender based rather than school based.