THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRESSFUL LIFE EVENT AND GENDER AMONG NIGERIANS

Background of the study: It is well known that adolescence stage has been conceptualized as a transitional period. Thus, this period begins with the onset of puberty and ends with the acceptance of the rules and responsibilities of adulthood. Of all life- stages, except childhood, adolescence is mostly considered to be a rapid and very intensive process of transition (Achenbach & McConaughy, 1997). This is to be seen in the domain of biological development where the changes are physically and externally manifested. Furthermore, it is also seen in the progression of both cognitive and psychosocial maturity from that of childhood to a fully grown adult.

Although the adolescence period is characterized as the happiest phase of life, stress, depression, and anxiety are common problems that marks this stage of life. However, several scientific studies basically focus on determining the prevalence of adolescent stress and anxiety in different cross-cultural backgrounds. These studies confirm that the risky behaviors of adolescents are universal and are crucially governed by their experience to stress, anxiety, depression, and other social factors (Carr, 1999). Many young persons are seriously affected by their experience of stress, depression, and anxiety. However, they may rely on various negative or positive behaviors while dealing with their problems. Stress features the feeling of anxiety, frustration, sadness, and hopelessness (Goodwin et al., 2004; Byrne & Mazanov, 2002).

Consequently, it is known that stressful life events are commonly studied risk and environmental factors in the development of psychopathology in childhood and adolescents. The most common causes of stressful life events include break up with partners, conflicts between parents, change in the financial status of parents, death or serious illness in the family, educational pressures, and many others. Sometimes, these factors might be the result of everyday difficulties from the environment. Thus, it also includes the expectations or desires of the adolescent that has not been met. However, when faced with the stressors, the stress process and the impact from stress varies individually and leads to different health outcomes.

This depends on individual and environmental vulnerabilities and resources, as well as the ability to cope effectively with the stressors.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Some studies reported that the total number of stressful life event during adolescence, predict various symptoms of anxiety (Perkins, 1982; Wiles et al., 2008). These researchers reported that stressful life events are significantly higher in youths with anxiety. Hence, they have suggested that certain types of events may be specific for each. The analysis of specific events showed that events consisting of changes in social relationships appeared to be specific for anxiety (Larson et al., 2002). In this same study, authors have reported that stressful life events in adolescent population characterized by loss (e.g., death), exit events (e.g., parental divorce, conflict between parents), or the ending of important love relationships appears to be more specific for anxiety symptoms.

1.3 Study Objectives

The main objective of the present study is to examine the role of stressful life events as a risk factor for the development of increased symptoms of anxiety among adolescents. In addition, it also aims to evaluate whether certain types of stressful life events are related to health, family, peers, or school problems.

1.4 Significance of the study

The study will unveil the impact of stressful life events and the risk associated with it. This finding will educate the public about the negative effects of stressful life events and hence encourage them to consider reducing stressful life events to prolong their life and enhance the wellbeing.

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no relationship between stressful events and Anxiety among Nigerians.

Ha: There is a relationship between stressful events and Anxiety among Nigerians.

H0: There is no relationship between stressful life events and gender among Nigerians.

Ha: There is a relationship between stressful life events and gender among Nigerians.

1.6 Scope and Limitation

The study examines Nigerians as a whole but focuses on their life events which it considers stressful. The population of the country is wide and enormous; thus, the study was limited to the adolescent’s category of the Nigeria population.

1.7 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

The study will concentrate on the relationship between stressful life events and gender among Nigerian. The first chapter introduces the project work. It is the means to acquaint the readers with the basic information or knowledge of stress. The chapter two will take a critical look at the explanations of stressful life events with special emphasis on the Nigerians.  It will also review the literature of different scholars on the issues. The third chapter will discuss the research methodology, beginning with the description of the population, proceeding to the sample and sampling method, research instruments, procedures for data collection and finally, the method of data analysis. The fourth chapter will dwell on the presentation and analysis of data, testing the hypothesis and discussion of findings. The final chapter (chapter five) will deal with the summary, conclusion and recommendations.