Stress has emerged as a pervasive concern affecting the mental well-being of
individuals across various demographics. In the Indian state of Haryana, rapid
socio-economic transitions, academic pressures, and community-level expectations
have contributed to heightened stress levels among students, teachers, and the
general community. Educational awareness, encompassing knowledge about stress,
its symptoms, and management techniques, is hypothesized to be a critical buffer
against this growing epidemic. This study aimed to investigate the role of
educational awareness in managing stress among three distinct cohorts.students,
teachers, and community members.in Haryana. The primary objectives were to: (1)
assess the level of educational awareness regarding stress and its management; (2)
measure the perceived stress levels across the three groups; (3) examine the
relationship between educational awareness and stress levels; and (4) identify
significant differences in stress management practices based on awareness levels. A
cross-sectional survey design was employed. A stratified random sample of 450
participants (150 students, 150 teachers, and 150 community members) was drawn
from three districts of Haryana: Gurugram, Hisar, and Ambala. Data were
collected using a structured questionnaire comprising a Socio-demographic Data
Sheet, an Educational Awareness Scale for Stress Management (EASSM), and the
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,
Pearson•fs correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed a
significant negative correlation between educational awareness and perceived stress
across all groups (r = -0.68, p < 0.01). Students reported the highest mean stress
score (M = 32.5, SD = 5.8), while teachers exhibited the highest level of educational
awareness (M = 28.9, SD = 3.2). A one-way ANOVA indicated statistically significant
differences in stress levels among the three groups [F(2, 447) = 24.56, p < 0.001].
Furthermore, participants with high educational awareness consistently reported
lower stress levels and more frequent use of positive coping strategies. The study
concluded that educational awareness is a pivotal determinant of effective stress
management. The findings underscore the urgent need for
targeted, age-appropriate educational interventions
and mental health literacy programs in Haryana. The
study recommends integrating structured stress
management modules into educational curricula and
community outreach initiatives
Educational Awareness, Stress Management, Students, Teachers, Community Members, Haryana, Mental Health Literacy