Psychosocial Catalyst of Stress Experience of Youth in Early Adulthood Stage

Abstract

Early adulthood stage refers to a time of life that is neither childhood nor adulthood but rather somewhere in between. A young man in his early adulthood stage may feel stressed due to various instances in his/her transitional phase of life into adulthood. Life today is becoming increasingly complex, tension-ridden and a great source of stress. To successfully manage stress in everyday lives, individuals must learn to use various techniques of coping.

In the present study, through a qualitative inquiry the investigators tried to explore in-depth about the psychosocial catalysts of stress experience of the youth population. That is, through the present study investigators tried to identify the factors which accelerate and decelerate stress of youth in early adulthood stage. The sample consisted of 150 males and females, age ranging from 20-40 years, from various districts of Kerala State, India. Data was collected using semistructured interview technique, and analysis was done using content analysis technique.

Five major psychosocial catalysts which increase the stress level of the participants were identified. This includes stress due to situational factors, personal factors, social Factors, Emotional factors and Health Factors. Four main factors evolved as reducing the stress of participants. They include cognitive factors, personal factors, social factors and other factors. Results of the study indicated that catalysts might be utilized in stress management techniques.