DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS IN RELATION TO LIFE SATISFACTION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Background: Depression, anxiety, and stress all have number of emotional and physical consequences and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home. Life satisfaction is global satisfaction with individual lives in different life domains. All these mechanisms play their role in adolescents’ academic performance. Current study intended to explore the relationship of depression, anxiety, and stress with life satisfaction and academic performance of adolescents. Moreover study also aimed to see gender and grade wise differences. Methods: It was a cross sectional study that used convenience sampling approach data collection. Sample comprised of 500 adolescents (age range = 13-21 years). Depression, anxiety and stress scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale were used to assess the study variables. Correlation coefficient among variables was computed to discern the pattern of relationship among variables. Mean depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction levels were compared between the groups using independent t-test at alpha 0.05. Results: findings revealed significant negative relationship of depression, anxiety, and stress with life satisfaction of students. Gender differences revealed significant differences on variables of anxiety and stress. Significant differences in depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfactions of high and low grade achievers were also found. Conclusion: Adolescents who experience depression, anxiety, and stress are less satisfied with their lives and show low academic performance in terms of grades. Moreover gender also effects on vulnerability to experience anxiety and stress. Study also highlights the practical implications for parents, educators, counselors, and mental health professionals.