Stress management methods in boys

Abstract

Introduction: Teenage period is a stressful time due to its coincidence with puberty. Since teenagers have their own stress, recognizing these stresses is very crucial in stress management. Negative stress management methods may result in unexpected consequences such as violence. Knowing stress management methods can help us teach the teenagers, the appropriate methods of stress control. This study tried to investigate stress control methods among students.

Methods: This was a descriptive study in which stress management checklists (SMC) were used. These questionnaires included 26 parts, each investigating ^.a specific stress management mechanism. A total of 3870 male students were selected by cluster sampling method from 5 vocational schools in Isfahan from which 400 were finally selected as study samples. SMC questionnaires were filled out and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS.

Results: Among the positive stress management methods, "I think how to control the situation" had the highest frequency distribution by 93% and among the negative methods, over-sleeping had the highest frequency distribution of 91% and "I take drugs or drink alcohol" had the lowest frequency distribution (4%).

Conclusion: Although using positive methods is in a satisfactory degree, it is not perfect in teenagers in vocational schools in Isfahan. They use negative methods more than expected. Teenagers should be encouraged to apply positive methods and warned against the bad consequences of negative methods through continuous educational programs, specially designed for them.

Key Words: Stress, Adolescent, Stress Management. Psychiatry