Stress coping skills of senior secondary students and their goal orientation: a study based on Kalmunai educational zone

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.