Gender differences in adolescent school stress: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Previous research has consistently found higher school stress among girls. However, scientific understanding of the underlying factors that may explain those gender differences is limited. This study adopts a mixed-method approach (QUANT → QUAL) to address this gap. In Study 1 (quantitative), we used survey data from 4768 adolescents (52.1% girls). In Study 2 (qualitative), focus groups were conducted with 80 boys and 82 girls from high- and low-stress schools. Findings confirmed higher school stress in girls, which were not explained by differences in perceived school demands, academic self-efficacy, and homework time. Identified underlying factors for gender differences included differing priorities and school involvement, girls' greater school workload, emotional factors, gender stereotypes and social expectations, and differential teacher treatment.