Abstract:
This research investigation was conducted to find out stress coping skills of senior secondary
students in relation to their goal orientation. The sample was selected using stratified random
sampling from 1AB and 1C of Kalmunai Muslim Division of Kalmunai Education Zone. The
total number of sample was 200. The tools used for data collection were standardized
instruments selected after a comprehensive review of related literature. The two standardized
questionnaires, Coping Skills Inventory by Jerabek (1996) and Goal Orientation Measure by
Zweig & Webser (2004) were used to measure stress coping skill and goal orientation of senior
secondary students respectively. The personal information schedule designed by the researcher
was used to procure relevant demographic and socio-psychological information. All scales were
pretested through a pilot study to reconfirm the reliability and validity prior to the final
investigation. The primary method of the data collection adopted in this study. The informants
were contacted individually by the researcher and data were obtained through questionnaire. The
„t‟-test, ANOVA, correlation were statistical analyses done. The findings of the study revealed
that the students differ in their coping skills with regard to their gender, subject of specialization
and parents‟ level of education. The learning and performance approach goal orientations are
significantly associated with the students stress-coping skills. The performance avoidance
orientation has negative correlation with stress-coping skills of the students.
