An Assessment of Perceived Stress, Resilience and Mental Health of Adolescents Living in Border Areas

This study was carried out to find out the level of perceived stress, resilience and mental health of adolescents living at international border in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Further an attempt was made to explore the relationship between these variables. A random sample of 100 adolescents in the age group 13-18 years was drawn from villages falling within five kilometers from the actual border. Data was obtained through administering Perceived Stress Scale, Resilience Scale, and Mental Health Inventory. Sample was dichotomized using median values for perceived stress and resilience. Difference in mental health of participants with low and high resilience was analyzed using t test. Pearson’s correlation revealed negative meaningful correlation between perceived stress and mental health. However, positive correlation became evident between perceived stress and anxiety as well as psychological distress. Resilience and mental health was also related signifying better mental health in resilient adolescents in border areas. Positive correlation was observed in resilience and general positive affect, emotional ties, and psychological well being. Negative association was found in resilience and loss of emotional control. Steps should be taken to build up resilience to enhance mental health of adolescents living with great stress in border areas.