Negative Self-Perception and Components of Stress in Canadian, British, and Hong Kong Adolescents

Abstract

Responses to a 68-item Adolescent Stress Scale of 14- to 16-yr.-olds in Canada ( n = 369), Britain ( n = 217), and Hong Kong ( n = 349) were compared. Four common subscales identified by principal component analysis emerged in the three samples. Scores on subscales (Relationship Problems, Abuse at Home, Scholastic and Career Problems, and Loneliness and Social Isolation) were significantly correlated for both sexes with negative self-esteem scores in the three national groups. Differences in stress between cultures were explicable in terms of known cultural differences.