School stress – Scope of the problem and its symptomatology as perceived by students. Research findings

Abstract

The article concerns the problem of school stress. In the first part, theoretical issues are discussed: the most common definitions and understanding of stress, its causes, and effects. School stress is then characterized: its symptoms and main sources are presented as well as the consequences of excessive strain felt by students at school. The assumptions of empirical research on school stress as viewed by students are also presented. The research was conducted through a diagnostic survey on a group of 440 students aged 12–14. The article presents the results of the research on the problem of stress and its intensity in students’ daily school life. The data obtained in the research shows that the students experienced stress with different frequency and intensity. Most of the students experienced average and low levels of stress (ca 40% for each level), and 20% of the students were under high levels of stress. An increased number of highly stressed students was observed in middle schools compared to primary schools. Also, it was noticed that more girls than boys suffered from intense tension. Symptoms of stress – physiological, emotional, empirical, and behavioral ones - declared by the students are also presented. Interpretation and conclusions are made based on the analysis of the empirical material.