Beyond Grades: The Long-Term Impact of Academic Stress on Career Aspiration Among High School Students

Abstract

The study "Beyond Grades: The Long-Term Impact of Academic Stress on Career Aspiration Among High School Students" investigates the complex relationship between academic stress and career aspirations in a sample of 100 high school students from government and private schools in Noida, India. Utilizing purposive sampling and standardized scales, the research reveals that a staggering 93% of students experience average to high levels of academic stress, with a significant negative correlation between stress and career aspirations. Notably, private school students exhibit lower academic stress compared to their government school counterparts. While male students demonstrate higher personal determination in career choices, no significant gender differences were found in overall career aspiration. These findings underscore the critical need for educational reforms and support systems to mitigate academic stress and foster resilient career aspirations among adolescents.