'n Evaluering van die effektiwiteit van stresinokulasie-opleiding as intervensie vir angs en coping by graad 12-leerders

Abstract

Society is a natural source of anxiety. Learners from different communities are grouped together in a school environment and as the circumstances of individual learners are different, the causes of anxiety will also differ. Within the school environment the teacher can be regarded as the natural manager in the learners development to cope with anxiety. Situations leading to abnormally high levels of anxiety may include, among others, environmental and social factors. As learners attend school for at least twelve years of their childhood, it stands to reason that the school is a natural environment generating sources of anxiety. School-related situations may include the disposition of both learners and teachers, school and classroom structure, and the influence of peers. Most adolescents show signs of fear and anxiety during normal development. However, should the anxiety continue, it may be referred to as a high level of anxiety or an anxiety disorder. In order to better understand human nature and related human phenomena such as anxiety, a meta-approach should be followed when analysing and synthesising the problem. It is important to understand both the role of anxiety and the development of the adolescent. Anxiety should be viewed in totality and therefore the clinical signs, symptoms and exposition of anxiety should be considered. Knowledge regarding the causes of and factors maintaining anxiety is essential in order to interpret the influence of anxiety. Coping, intervention and intervention strategies are needed to guide the adolescent to more normal levels of anxiety which can be managed and maintained without interfering with normal development. Stress Inoculation Management as an intervention programme has been made available to teachers as a means to help adolescent cope with anxiety. Findings from this study show this programme to be an effective strategy for anxiety management.