SELF EFFICACY AND LOCUS OF CONTROL AS MEDIATORS OF STRESS IN ADOLESCENTS: USHERING IN AN AGE OF SELF-EVOLUTION.

Stress has been linked to increased illness in several biologically based studies (Roddenberry, A. 2007). In contrast, only a limited number of studies have assessed self-efficacy and locus of control serving as potentially important variables related to stress. As Gautam Buddha rightly said, “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts.” Since the aim of education must transcend the development of academic competence, schools need to become aware of their added responsibility of preparing self-assured and fully-functioning individuals. Students need to emerge capable of pursuing their hopes and ambitions instead of being vulnerable to the devastating effects of stress. The present research endeavor attempted to identify the relationship of two self-constructs namely, self-efficacy and locus of control with stress encountered by adolescents using the semi-partial correlation method. The sample comprised of 1092 students aged between 13-14 years. Results indicated a significant correlation among the selected variables indicating that high self-efficacy and locus of control both help in reducing stress levels. The study also attempted to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and locus of control using Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. Findings of the study revealed a strong positive correlation between these two self-constructs. This indicates that helping students to come to terms with the invaluable worth of their self-efficacy would help them be in total control of their own lives. This paper also proposes constructive strategies to enhance the self-worth of students so as to usher in an age of self-evolution and alleviate stress.