Sources of stress and stages of change for stress management in school age children: proposals for points of intervention

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the daily sources of stress in primary and secondary school children, and their stages of change for stress management. The research took place in two periods (phase 1 & phase 2). In the first phase ninety pupils interviewed and their perceived sources of stress were presented in three levels: daily stress, school stress and stress in physical education lessons. The second phase of the research (300 pupils participated), was held through questionnaires reporting sources of stress. Internal consistency and factorial validity provide preliminary support for the psychometric properties of the stress sources questionnaire, consisting of three factors and 25 questions. From the results it was found out that school, generally, is a major source of stress. The results of the study imply the need for reinforcement of health education and its implementation through physical education or health education lessons, in order to strengthen the students’ coping skills. Applications in school setting (intervention programs) are suggested.