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Teenagers
Say Final Exams Most Stressful Event In Their Lives Research conducted for St John of God Health Services,
a not-for-profit Sydney, October 2004:
Just weeks before the HSC exams, new research released today by St John of God
Health Services shows that education and future employment top the list of
greatest concerns for Australian teenagers. Sitting
and studying for final exams are undoubtedly identified as the most stressful
experiences in an adolescent’s life. Interestingly,
the issues that cause parents of teenagers to worry the most, such as
relationships and peer pressures to drink alcohol are at the bottom of the list.
The
research also reveals the disturbing discovery that one quarter of teenagers do
not tell anyone when they are feeling unhappy. Dr
Gary Galambos, Consultant Psychiatrist and Visiting Medical Officer at St John
of God Health Services, says this research supports the increase of adolescents
he treats during exam time. “It
is certainly a period where many adolescents feel vulnerable.
Culturally we have constructed a huge mountain for them to conquer and
some young people will come unstuck and need specialised support and treatment. “Feelings
of panic, nervousness, stress and insecurity, as well as mood problems such as
depression, sleeplessness and suicidal ideas are symptoms seen in some teenagers
around HSC time. “Finding
a balance between education and lifestyle helps reduce the risk of anxiety that
may be experienced during exam time. Sports,
hobbies and an active social life are all important buffers against symptoms of
stress and mental health problems. “Teaching
students how to cope with stress, giving them problem
solving strategies and making them aware of their options to achieve their
goals, are also likely to help prevent symptoms,”
said Dr Galambos. Published
research shows that sleep deprivation has a severe impact on memory loss.
Dr Galambos stresses the importance of a good
night’s sleep and physical exercise for the optimal brain functioning needed
not only for good exam results but also good mental health.
Two-in-five
students polled feel their performance in final school exams will have an affect
on the choice of their future career. The
study also shows that 15 percent of students view final exams as an extremely
serious, stressful time and the most difficult event they have to face.
These
figures equate to 5,300 troubled year 12 students every year in Australia. “There
is much public debate and concern about the important teenage issues of drinking
and relationships. “However,
this research now provides a significant insight into the need for more
awareness about the high stress levels felt by students, which can trigger
mental health problems in some vulnerable adolescents if not addressed
properly,” Dr Galambos said. Second
to final exams, the study shows that entry to tertiary education, finding their
first job and disappointing their parents with school results are other major
causes of stress and anxiety for teenagers.
Summary of KEY
findings:
Most stressful issues for teenagers 1.
Studying for final exams (22%) 2.
Sitting for final exams (16%) 3.
Disappointing parents with school results (10%) 4.
Entrance to tertiary education (9%) 5.
Finding first job (6%) 6.
Changes in the environment (4%) 7.
Peer pressures to drink alcohol (2%) 8.
Relationships (1%) Method used to deal with disappointment 1.
Remind themselves to “cheer up” (34%) 2.
Do not tell anyone they are unhappy (24%) 3.
Talk to a good friend (21%) 4.
Talk to parents (18%)
The
findings on the causes of stress for Australian teenagers are based on responses
from 146 students aged 14-18 years. The
research was conducted in July 2004 by independent consultants Stollznow
Research.
About
St John of God Health Services:
A not-for-profit organisation, St John of God Health Services provides quality care for people experiencing mental health problems. It is dedicated to providing a compassionate and supportive environment to promote recovery and assist patients to achieve their optimal mental health. St John of God Health Services offers a range of day and inpatient programs and incorporates two world-class hospitals, three specialist medical centres as well as two outpatient counselling and therapy centres in New South Wales.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
Citation suggestion: Dr Gary Galambos, Teenagers
Say Final Exams Most Stressful Event In Their Lives
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