The Hindu : Front Page : Over 90% students in distress: survey

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Wednesday, Aug 06, 2008
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Over 90% students in distress: survey

Ramya Kannan

Girls experience more distress
One private and aided school covered

CHENNAI: A recent survey conducted in Chennai revealed that over 90 per cent of school students, especially girls, experienced significant levels of psychological distress. With intervention, many of the stress-related and behavioural problems could be reduced, says the study.

The survey, a collaboration between the Schizophrenia Research Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, sought to compare the mental health programme in two schools in Chennai – a private school in Kolathur and a government-aided school in Virugambakkam. While more students from the government-aided schools experience psychological distress, in both schools, the XI standard students had more issues than IX standard students.

Some of the most frequently reported problems were: feeling under strain constantly, depression, unhappiness, difficulty in concentrating, incapacity to make decisions, a feeling of worthlessness, lack of self confidence and inability to enjoy normal day-to-day activities.

“The physical and mental health of adolescents and schoolchildren has been a matter of concern in recent years. Study-related pressure, the need for excellence in various spheres of activity and heightened family expectations have taken a toll on the psychological well being of adolescents,” according to R.Thara, director, SCARF. Coupled with this there are unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol abuse. The need to run school mental health programmes cannot be overemphasised, Dr.Thara added. SCARF has decided to bring out manuals for children, teachers and parents, besides extending the programme to more schools.

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