Psychological Stress And Anxiety In Urban And Rural Adolescents: A Gender-Based Comparison
Abstract
This study investigates the levels of psychological stress and anxiety among urban and rural adolescents, with a focus on gender-based differences. Adolescence is a critical developmental phase, and mental health issues such as stress and anxiety are increasingly prevalent. The research aims to compare the psychological stress and anxiety levels between urban and rural adolescents and examine gender differences within these groups. A total of 60 adolescents (30 males and 30 females) were selected from both urban and rural areas using convenient sampling. Data was collected using standardized psychological stress and anxiety scales. The findings indicate that psychological stress and anxiety are common among adolescents, with a greater prevalence of moderate levels of stress and anxiety across both genders. A significant proportion of adolescents experience high stress (30%) and high anxiety (30%). Furthermore, gender-based differences were observed, with female adolescents reporting higher levels of anxiety and stress than their male counterparts. The study highlights the impact of geographical location and gender on adolescent mental health, suggesting that urban adolescents face stressors related to fast-paced lifestyles, while rural adolescents experience stress due to limited resources. This research underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions for adolescents, considering both geographical and gender-specific factors.
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