STRESS RESISTANCE AS A SIGN OF MENTAL HEALTH OF SCHOOLCHILDREN IN MODERN REALITIES

Abstract

Modern realities impose significant challenges on the psycho-emotional state of school­children. High academic workloads, digitalization of education, social pressure, and global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and military conflicts, create the basis for increased levels of stress in children. In this regard, the study of stress resilience as one of the key aspects of mental health is of particular relevance.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between the level of stress resistance and mental health of schoolchildren (on the example of primary school students).

Methodology. content analysis of scientific and methodological literature; study and generalization of leading pedagogical experience; questionnaires (diagnostic methods «Question­naire for parents on the behavior of children and youth aged 6 to 18 years» – Child Behavior Checklist/6-18) and «Child and Youth Resilience Measure» for children aged 5-9 years).

The scientific novelty. The components of stress resistance, the main factors that are the source of stress faced by students, such as academic workload, digitalization, the impact of information technology and social networks, as well as global crises such as pandemics and war, are considered. The study investigated the level of stress resistance of primary school students to examine the relationship between children's ability to effectively cope with stressful situations and their overall mental health. The study involved pupils in grades 1-4 of secondary schools in Kyiv aged 6 to 10. It was found that students who demonstrate a high and above average level of stress resistance are easier to adapt to changes in daily routine and less likely to show symptoms of anxiety in the event of unforeseen events.

Conclusions. The authors of the article conclude that stress resilience is a key factor affecting the mental health of primary school students. The developed ability to emotional regulation reduces stress levels, which is especially important in modern conditions when children face numerous stressors both in the educational process and in everyday life.