Stress level among adolescents related to development of secondary sexual characteristics in a selected secondary school in Mangalore

Puberty begins with a surge in hormone production, which in turn causes a number of physical changes. This is triggered by the pituitary gland, which secretes hormonal agents into the blood stream. Put simply, puberty is the time when a child's body starts changing into an adult's body. The title of the study, “Stress level among adolescents related to development of secondary sexual characteristics in a selected secondary school in Mangalore”. The objectives include, identifying the level of stress among adolescents and to compare the level of stress among adolescent boys and girls related to development of secondary sexual characteristics. The research study was conducted in Vishwa Mangala High School, Konaje and population comprised of 25 adolescents’ boys and 25 adolescent's girls studying in the 9^th standard.

The study results shows that, 25 (100%) of the adolescent boys were in Hindu religion, whereas 20(80%) of the adolescent girls were in the Hindu community. 25 (100%) of both adolescent boys and girls were living with parents. Among 15(60%) of the adolescent boys had only one sibling whereas, 10 (40%) of the adolescent had more than one sibling. Area wise stress level shows, in question no 1i.e, In the last month how often have you been upset because of physical changes such as voice, hair growth and acne that happened unexpectedly, there are 12 boys who rated they are sometimes bothered with the physical changes that happened in the body. The study concluded that, the level of stress shows, there were no adolescent boys or girls were fall into the category of mild stress. But, there are, 10(40%) of the boys were in the category of moderate stress and 15(60%) of the boys are in severe stress related to the development of secondary sexual characteristics.