Prevalence of stress during late childhood

A generation ago, the word “stress” was reserved for adults. People think that childhood is a time when children are carefree, having no worries or responsibilities. But children also experience extreme stress, have similar symptoms as those of adults and have difficulty in handling stress.The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence and levels of stress during late childhood in relation to gender and educational standard. A total number of 192 children within the range of 6-11 years were selected randomly as sample for the study from eight different private schools from N.C. Hills district of Assam. An interview schedule was prepared to elicit background information, sources of stress and symptoms of stress exhibit by the children. The Interview schedule was constructed separately for the teachers and parents. The findings of the present study revealed that stress was prevalent during late childhood. But stress was more prevalent in the first and fifth grade compared to the other grades. Majority of the boys and girls were moderately stressed.