An Examination of the Methods of Coping with Stress among Primary School Children: A Case Study of Selected Primary Schools in Limuru Sub-County
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Date
2015-06
Authors
Njoki, Catherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences
Abstract
Stress is a reaction shown against when the needs of a situation are more than the capabilities of the person to cope with that situation. The situation is often characterized by symptoms of physical and emotional reaction. Stress can be positive or negative. Studies show that during middle childhood, pressures may come from a number of sources including the child her/himself, parents, teachers, peers and the larger society in which the child lives. Adults always find a way of coping or are even helped by experts on how to cope with stress, but in most cases children hardly get help. The study sought to examine methods of coping with stress among children aged between 8-12 years in Limuru Sub-County. The study was descriptive and hence data generated was qualitative and quantitative. The sample population of the study was 18 class teachers and 93 pupils both in class 4 and 5 from four primary schools in the sub-county. The schools were randomly selected and the sample population was purposively selected. The researcher administered questionnaires both to teachers and pupils to collect data which was later analysed through SPSS and content analysis. The study established that stress emanated both from home and school and that 96% of the participants were stressed and this affected their school work. The researcher also established that in most cases children used destructive methods like crying, withdrawing and fighting with other children to cope with stress. However, the study was also able to establish that there were few or no mechanisms applied by school to help the pupils cope with stress. The study recommends that parents/ caregivers should be well equipped with the support system and the necessary skills. Children should also be equipped with the necessary life skills that would enable them cope with daily stresses and this will help reduce anxiety and hence improve their academic performance.
Description
Master of Arts
in Child Development
Keywords
Coping, Stress, Primary School Children, Limuru Sub-County
Citation
Njoki, C., (2015). An Examination of the Methods of Coping with Stress among Primary School Children: A Case Study of Selected Primary Schools in Limuru Sub-County. Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences