Comparing Anxiety Levels Among Students from Science, Commerce, and Arts Streams in School: A Qualitative Study

Anxiety among students at all levels of study- school, collegiate, or post-graduate, has become a pressing issue in today's educational environment, with academic pressures often at the forefront of mental health concerns. This qualitative study aims to explore and compare anxiety levels amongst high school students from the Science, Commerce, and Arts streams, focusing on the unique challenges each group faces.By conducting in-depth interviews, this research delves into the underlying causes of anxiety, the personal experiences of students, and their perceptions of stress in relation to academic performance, peer competition, and societal expectations. The findings reveal that students in each stream face distinct stressors—ranging from the complexity and volume of coursework to future career uncertainty—and use different coping mechanisms to manage their anxiety. These insights underscore the importance of tailored mental health interventions in schools to address the specific needs of students in different academic paths, ensuring a more supportive and responsive environment.