Educational Stress and its Predictors: A Cross Sectional Study among Adolescent Girls in Pilani Rajasthan

Educational stress has emerged as a significant concern among adolescents due to increasing academic expectations, competitive environments, and social pressures. The present study examines the level of educational stress and its major predictors among adolescent girls in Pilani, Rajasthan. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study was conducted among school-going adolescent girls selected through an appropriate sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed educational stress and related socio-demographic and academic variables. Statistical techniques were used to analyse the relationship between educational stress and its potential predictors. The findings reveal that a considerable proportion of adolescent girls experience moderate to high levels of educational stress. Factors such as academic workload, parental expectations, examination pressure, and time management difficulties emerged as significant predictors of educational stress. Additionally, socio-economic background and school environment were found to influence the level of stress experienced by students. The study highlights the need for supportive educational environments, counselling services, and stress-management interventions within schools to help adolescents cope with academic pressures. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on adolescent mental health and educational stress, particularly within the context of rural and semi-urban India. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among educators, parents, and policymakers to create a balanced academic environment that promotes both educational achievement and psychological well-being among adolescent girls .