Neuqua’s Students are Stressed Out
March 25, 2009
The Echo conducted a study that found seniors, juniors, and sophomores at a moderate risk of illness due to the stressors in their lives.
The Holmes and Rahe stress scale (Social Readjustment Rating Scale) modified for non-adults was sent to advisories from each class. This list of 43 stressors measures stressful events in life changing units. For example, the death of a parent is considered highly stressful and worth 87 points, while a decrease in arguments with parents is much less stressful and therefore given a 26. Participants in the study only mark the events that occurred within the past year. After taking the test, the life changing units are added up. If the score is 300 or greater, the person is at risk for illness. A score of 150 to 299 would leave the person at a moderate risk of illness. Any score below 150 carries a slight risk of illness. Although best efforts were put forth to maintain scientific validity, the results are not scientific.
From the study, the data showed that seniors and sophomores had nearly the same average score around 260. Freshmen, by far, had the lowest score. When comparing males to females, males average higher scores than females. Common selections on the test dealt with financial issues such as a change in parents’ financial status or a parent losing their job. This indicates that current economic troubles have a strong effect on teens.
Some outliers, or extremes, certainly were present. The highest score was a remarkable 907. That particular participant is likely under an astonishing amount of stress and also likely faces stress related illnesses. Multiple scores were also in the 600 to 800 range.
Stress is a common word around Neuqua Valley High School’s hallways. School, ACT, AP classes, college applications and other activities tend to clutter students’ lives causing them to feel overwhelmed. More then just the Neuqua community, the ever popular decline of the economy has put people in situations of restless nights and constant worry of their jobs and finances. Stress, previously thought of as only a psychological problem, evidently affects the physical health of people, more specifically Neuqua students.
The three main causes of stress are catastrophes, major life changes, and/or daily hassles. In these types of situations, the body turns to its “fight-or-flight” mode, which releases hormones like adrenaline, which prepare the body to deal with the situation. The resulting tightened muscles, increased heart beat and constricted blood vessels are meant to push the person past their conflict. But when faced with a prolonged situation, for example preparing for an important test, these body reactions can create physical pains. Not only is the body undergoing these problems, but the state of stress decreases the effectiveness of the immune system, leaving the person much more vulnerable to other flues and diseases.
The cure for stress-related illnesses? The basics, sleep, eat well, and keep a positive outlook. People who view stressful situations as opportunities are much more likely to succeed then those who fall under the pressure.
By Jonathan Oskvarek, news & web editor, & Pallavi Bamzai, staff writer
Results for the particlar student that requested their scores are posted below.
39982: 71
40744: 214
41074: 465
40955: 139
45259: 275
47963: 436
48644: 46
1012015: 332
1005281: 488
40784: 167
40476: 73
42489: 361
1043864: 181
41362: 647
31007: 229
1011003: 162
45610: 467
47976: 197
1011753: 203
1002937: 180
47994: 261
39044: 490
1017558: 192
45998: 38
1029035: 419
1033084: 212
50917: 244
48722: 525
1029147: 338
1003248: 93
1010060: 0
1024834: 46
47097: 160
47093: 179
48608: 480
