Volume : 2, Issue : 11, November - 2013

Depression, Anxiety and Stress: A comparative study in Arts, Commerce & Science Junior College students in Rural Area of India

Dr. Mandar P. Baviskar, Dr. Vaishali D. Phalke, Dr. Deepak B. Phalke

Abstract :

Introduction: Increasing stress on school children has become a matter of national concern in India. The success of currently applied remedial policies is doubtful. A change in methods of imparting education is strongly felt. Aims: The study aimed to find the extent and causes of depression, anxiety and stress in junior college students in Loni, a rural area in state of Maharashtra, India. The study also compared levels of depression, anxiety and stress in arts, commerce and science students.Methods: This cross–sectional study was carried out in 360 students of P.V.P Arts, Science and Commerce Junior College in Loni. Stratified Random Sampling was used for selection of 120 students (equal number of girls and boys) each from arts, science and commerce streams. The questionnaire consisted of general information and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–42 (DASS). Statistical analysis was done to calculate percentage, mean, standard deviation and Z values of DASS scores.Results: Results showed that students of rural area are vulnerable to depression, anxiety and stress. Arts students had a higher level of depression as compared to their peers from science and commerce faculties. Stress was higher in 12th class students who faced board exams.Conclusions: Depression, anxiety and stress in junior college students is not merely related to academic performance but to various internal and external factors. A mere change in examination scheme will not resolve this issue. The interventions aimed at reducing stress in students need to take these factors into account while formulating national policies