[Social support and proper human relations in high school pupils in relation to psychosomatic disease prevention]

Przegl Lek. 2002;59(6):433-7.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The examination concerned 313 girls and boys from the second and third class of the secondary schools in Kraków. The translated German version questionnaire "Woman Self Image and Social Ideal" was used in the examination; mainly its parts such as: 1. "The social support" which includes 22 questions. 2. "Human Relations" which includes 64 questions. The five step scale of feeling was applied. One of the five possibilities was chosen by the examined persons and analysed. Stepwise regression was performed. More than half of the examined pupils have a good friend, who is helpful any time and who has never lets them down. They are relaxed with him, may discuss important problems and can give him charge over their home in their absence. 5% of the examined pupils could not share psychological problems with any friends and 10% could not count on house or flat care. 10% of pupils often felt as outsiders among other young people, while 1/3 did not experience such a feeling. The need of better understanding, care and support in the family and from close acquaintances was observed by 15%. Simultaneously only 14% claimed that relation in this matter were satisfactory. 19% of examined persons wanted more safety and friendship. Only 14% had a feeling of full safety. Juveniles most often claimed, that it is not difficult for them to buy a gift for another person (71% vs 2%), or cherish happiness of other people (67% vs 0.3%), and to express sympathy to others (65% vs 2.8%). More than half of the respondents judge themselves as non-aggressive against others, that they do not place their own needs above other peoples' needs, and that they are not afraid of contact with others. The frequency of choosing opposite extreme did not exceed 5% of the respondents. With the majority of questions we found a number of answers regarding discussed problem, ex. accepting orders from superiors (never--28%, sometimes--28%, average--21%, often--12%, very often--11%). In analogical proportions we found answers regarding such facts as a being strong and steady person, without bothering of hurting somebody's feelings or taking care of their own goals when anyone else is in need. We showed very differentiated, individual approach of examined adolescents to matters regarding their relations with people important for shaping their attitude towards life. It was also shown, that most of the 16-17 year old adolescents from Krakow enjoy a satisfactory relationship with people important in their lives, on the other hand, it is distressing that almost 20% of the examined pupils do not get enough support, care, safety and understanding either from their peers, families or adults.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Friends
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Poland
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Support*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires