While studies, tests and results are the main causes of anxiety among school students, more than 33 percent comply with peer pressure most of the time, a survey on mental health and wellness of students by NCERT said.
The survey reported that at least 73 percent of students are satisfied with their school life, while more than 45 percent of students are dissatisfied with their body image.
The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) surveyed more than 3.79 lakh students from 36 states and UT.
NCERT’s Manodarpan Cell took on the task of conducting the survey to help learn the perceptions of schoolchildren on aspects related to their mental health and well-being. It collected information from students of all genders and grades: middle state (6-8) and secondary stage (9-12) between January and March 2022.
Participant anonymity was ensured by making the name column optional, allowing students comfort, privacy and independence in responding, the NCERT said.
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“A decline in satisfaction with personal and school life is observed as students move from middle school to high school. Middle school is marked by the challenges of identity crisis, heightened sensitivity to relationships, peer pressure, fear of board exam, anxiety and uncertainty experienced by students for their future admissions, career, etc,” said the survey report released on Tuesday.
The survey found that 81 percent of respondents attribute studies, exams and results as the main causes of anxiety.
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Up to 43 percent of all respondents admitted to being able to adapt quickly to changes, with middle school students (46 percent) responding higher than high school students (41 percent).
A total of 51 percent of students face difficulties in learning online, while 28 percent of students surveyed are hesitant to ask questions, according to the survey.
It found that “yoga and meditation, attempts to change the way they think, and journal writing were reported as strategies frequently adopted by students to cope with stress.”
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