Understanding the Sources of Stress and Coping Ways of Girls Residing in Hostel

The present study aimed at understanding the sources of stress and coping ways of girls dwelling in hostel. Sources of stress may vary in different environmental setting. Hostel’s environment poses different kind of challenges for students. In India only a few girls are sent to hostel for study purpose as their marriage is given more priority than education. Therefore, 12 hostel girls studying in University of Allahabad were approached in order to collect data. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with girls. The FGD was audio recorded with the permission of girls and the audio recording of discussion was transcribed line by line. The Hindi transcription of the discussion was translated into English. Thematic analysis was used for interpreting the data. Patterns regarding different sources of stress were identified. Family related stress, career related stress, marriage related stress, gender discrimination, societal pressure, unhygienic environment of the hostel and adjustment problem with the roommate were the major themes derived from the patterns found in discussion. The themes that were derived for coping ways were: avoidance, back bitching, Faith in God, technology involvement, reliving positive moments of life, diary writing, painting, studying, sharing and meditation.