PANEL OF CONTRIBUTORS: The stress factor at Menlo-Atherton PANEL OF CONTRIBUTORS: The stress factor at Menlo-Atherton (June 08, 2005)

By Jim MacKenzie

We in the education community have witnessed an unusual amount of attention being focused on student stress recently. There have always been anxiety-producing elements associated with high school education. This applies not only to students, but to staff and parents as well. Lately, however, there appears to be the impression that this stress level has increased so dramatically that the fallout is now at a dangerous level. There is talk of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, rampant cheating, emotional melt-downs and even thoughts of suicide. Stanford University recently offered a seminar on high school stress. The San Francisco Chronicle ran a front-page story entitled "Stressed Out." Don Kazak of the Palo Alto Weekly wrote a column using Palo Alto High School student quotes concerning stressed-out feelings. Therefore, I decided it was time to investigate the nature of stress at Menlo-Atherton. I gave my psychology students a series of questions to answer. What follows are their responses.

When students try to assess the causes of stress, they mention striving for academic excellence, parent and peer pressure, too many expectations in too little time, and the general process of maturation. One student said, "What causes student stress is numerous academic courses that we are taking just for it to look good on our transcripts." Another added, "I think it's a combination of too much work at school and probably issues at home, negativity and discouragement." A third felt that "student stress is caused by kids working themselves too hard, so that they can reach the expectations of their friends and family. Also, balancing many activities without taking time for yourself,"

There was a mixed reaction to the idea of judging other students based on academic performance. "I don't judge on grades, but on how articulate and educated they actually are." "Never. Academic performance is not important for personality. Being smart is only a small factor. I don't think where you go to college defines who you are at all. That's superficial."

When asked about the most stressful year in high school, most of my seniors said it was their junior year, although a few felt it was the freshman transition year. "I think last semester junior year because it was really 'crunch time' with AP's, SAT's, college considerations, projects, and so forth that are all pushed into a two- to three-month span." "My junior year because of those AP classes, and since English isn't my first language, it took longer for me to understand the concepts."

Interestingly, most students felt they were able to enjoy extracurricular activities. "I do feel that I have adequate time and I am by far the busiest kid I know. I tutor three children on a regular basis, umpire two times per week, play for my high school team every day, go to school and manage to relax with my friends and girlfriend."

Many of the teens at M-A rely on each other for support and encouragement. "Mostly you say you're stressed, then list all the things you have to do: tests, projects, appointments, deadlines. I think girls are just generally more studious and feel more pressure to do well in school, so they are more prone to talk about it." "Yes, I talk about stress with friends all the time. Sometimes I stress myself out even more because that is all I'm thinking and talking about. I do feel that guys handle it somewhat better because they are encouraged to suppress any type of feelings like that."

When asked about the origins of the pressure for success, there was an outpouring of very strong sentiments from my classes. "The pressure comes from family generations, as well as school, church and the society you live in." "My parents expect great things from me since I am the first to go to college. They want me to set the example. My grades are a major issue for my parents. They really don't worry about how hard I try, they only focus on the results." "Parents and societal expectations, especially in our area, tell us to do well in school, get into a great college, have a successful life. Otherwise, you are looked down upon by everyone and feel like an outcast in the community." "My parents do want me to succeed, but I would say the origin of the pressure is me, because I do not want to disappoint myself."

Questioned about coping mechanisms, the students said, "I cope by having conversations with friends, going to the gym, even going into my bathroom, closing the door and crying. It's a great way to let it all out." "I write a schedule of all the things I need to do so I can manage. Sometimes I just cry." "I hit golf balls." "I take breaks, play games, and eat to cope with the stress."

After reading all the information submitted by my classes, it became extremely evident to me that there is a very real problem that needs to be researched and resolved. It is gratifying to realize that society is beginning to focus on this epidemic. One can only hope that future M-A seniors will find a way to remedy this dilemma. Jim MacKenzie teaches economics and psychology at Menlo-Atherton High School and is a member of the Almanac's Panel of Contributors.

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