ACADEMIC STRESS AND ITS EFFECT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A STUDY AMONG HIGHER SECONDARY LEVEL STUDENTS

The present study explores the relationship between academic stress and academic performance among higher secondary students, with a focus on gender, location, and community-based variations. Using a descriptive survey method, data were collected from a sample of 250 students (120 male and 130 female; 140 rural and 110 urban; 90 tribal and 160 non-tribal) in Assam. The Standardized Academic Stress Scale (SAAS) was employed to assess stress levels, while academic performance was evaluated through examination scores. The findings revealed significant differences in academic stress between male and female students, with female students reporting higher stress levels. Similarly, rural students exhibited more stress compared to urban counterparts, and tribal students showed greater academic stress than non-tribal students. A negative correlation was found between stress levels and academic performance, suggesting that higher stress adversely affects student achievement. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at stress management and counselling at the higher secondary level to enhance academic outcomes.