Perceived Stress and Family Environment in Young Adults Living Independently and Those Living with Their Families

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the perceived stress and family environment in young adults who live independently and those who live with their families. The study also assessed whether any difference or relationship exists between perceived stress and family environment in young adults. Additionally, the influence of gender on these two factors were also assessed. The current study was a descriptive study with two scales used – The Perceived Stress Scale by Cohen, Kamarck, et al. (1983) and Family Environment Scale by Bhatia and Chadha (2012). An independent sample t-test, correlation and linear regression was used as statistical techniques for the study. The findings suggested that there is no difference in the perceived stress and family environment in young adults living away or with their families. Further gender differences were obtained between Perceived stress and several dimensions of the family environment namely Expressiveness, Conflict, control, Acceptance and Caring The results of the Pearson Correlation depicted a significant relationship between Perceived stress and several Family Environment dimensions such as Cohesion, Conflict, Expressiveness, Independence and Active-recreational Orientation. There was also an influence of Family Environment on Perceived stress among young adults.