Assertiveness, Self-esteem and Stress among Adolescents: A Study of Hindus and other Minorities

Rationale: Adolescence is a critical phase for shaping the personality of an individual. In this crucial stage a person tries to develop his identity in order to overcome the problems and challenges that he faces at this stage. It is a time of new challenges and new opportunities. Objective: The present study was conducted to find out the association between assertiveness, self-esteem and stress among the adolescents. Methodology: Sample: Adolescents (N=150, females=39, males=111) from Sagar city within the age range of 14 to 19 years were taken as participants. Tools: Rathus assertiveness scale, Rosenberg’s self esteem scale and Cohen’s perceived stress scale were administered. Gender and religion of the participants were taken as demographic variables. Statistical Technique: Mann-Whitney U test was used for data analysis. Results: The findings of the study depicted no significant difference between male and female on assertiveness, self-esteem and stress (p > 0.05). In addition to that, results also showed no significant relationship between Hindu and other minority group of religion in Madhya Pradesh (p > 0.05). Discussion: Findings suggested that the level of stress, self esteem and assertiveness is not influenced by the religious belief and practices. However it also seems that gender did not play a role on assertiveness, stress and self-esteem.