Indian Journal of Positive Psychology

Jwmwishree Boro ¹, D. Dhanalakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, IN

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship among life stress, optimism and life satisfaction among adolescents. A sample of 145 high school students (78 male and 67 female) were randomly selected from the school for current study. The participants were given three standardized questionnaires to assess their levels of life stress, optimism and life satisfaction. The scales used for the current study were Students Stress Inventory by Gadzella, Revised Life Orientation Test by Scheier, Carver and Bridges, Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) by Scott Huebner. Pearson's correlational analysis and t-test were carried out to assess the relationship among life stress, optimism and life satisfaction, and to examine the gender differences. The study found significant positive correlation between optimism and life satisfaction and it also found that girls experienced higher level of life satisfaction when compared to boys and that boys experienced a high level of pressure, a dimension of life stress, when compared to girls. Some kind of counseling program can be designed to improve life satisfaction and reduce pressure among boys and as well as for their family.

Keywords

Life Stress, Optimism, Life Satisfaction

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D. Dhanalakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, IN

Abstract

College years, though expected to be the most fun period in a student's life, many students do not have a smooth sail. The relationship problems encountered at that stage append to the stress experienced due to transition from school to college and complex psychology histories. Such complexities may often lead to distortions in thinking and in most severe form lead to depression and poor health. The current study explored the relationship between depression, cognitive distortions and general health among college students. The sample consisted of 125 undergraduate college students (62 boy s and 63 girls) studying in different colleges in Chennai and aged between 18 to 20 years.The participants responded to the items on Depression taken from the Depression and the Anxiety Scale (Newcomer et al), Cognitive Distortion Scale (Bnere) and General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg). Correlational analysis showed that general health was positively related to dimensions of cognitive distortion and depression. Girls were found to be more depressed and high in self-criticism as when compared to the boys. Girls have more problems in their general health as when compared to the boys. Regression analysis revealed that depression predicts general health. The results of the study draws the attention of researchers and practitioners mthe discipline of psychology to explore the various causal factors for depression during late adolescence and to provide appropriate psychological interventions so that they are able to face the future challenges. Interventions to enhance the assertiveness and to change the dysfunctional thinking associated with helplessness among girls are crucial.

Keywords

Depression, Cognitive Distortions, Generalhealth, College Students.

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M. M. Anila ¹, D. Dhanalakshmi ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, RV Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry, IN
2 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, IN

Abstract

The objectives of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention for reducing anxiety, enhancing self-control and improving academic performance among adolescent students. The present study consisted of 300 adolescent students in the age group of 15-18 years, selected through random sampling. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by Spiel berger et al. and Self-control Scale by Tangney et al. were administered to 150 boys and 150 girls and their academic scores were collected from their performance in continuous assessment. Pre-test and post-test with randomized control group design was used for the present study. MBSR was given to the students in the experimental group for a period of 8 weeks while the control group did not receive the intervention, following which a post-test was carried out. Statistical analyses such as Independent sample't' test, Paired t test, Multi variate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Multi variate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were used for this study. The results indicate that MBSR is effective for reducing anxiety, enhancing self-control and improving academic performance among adolescent students. This intervention ensured that students could use it for their well-being not only at the present, but also in the future circumstances. Therefore, MBSR may be included in the school curriculum in order to help adolescent students who cope with the expectations and challenges of educational demands.

Keywords

Anxiety, Academic Performance, Self-Control, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Adolescents.

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