Class XI arts students more aggressive than peers in science: Study

Class XI students studying the arts stream have more aggression, compared to science stream students in government and private schools across the state.

A study conducted by Department of Education and Community Service, Punjabi University, on 1200 students has not only indicated at higher level of aggression among majority of the students, when compared to the national average but has shown that Boys had higher level of aggression compared to Girls.

Analysing the rising trends of aggression and the underlying causes of anger among adolescent boys and girls in Punjab, Dr Kavita Mittal and Dr Tajpreet kaur said according to the data analysis, the level of aggression among the majority of adolescents was found to be higher than the national average.

Researcher Dr Tajpreet Kaur said various senior secondary schools across Punjab, comprising 580 boys and 620 girls were covered in the survey that closely examined the impact of personality, emotional intelligence, and the school environment on their behaviour. She added that as part of this study, specialised ‘Aggression’ and ‘Personality’ scales were developed and standardised, which will serve as valuable tools for future researchers.

Furthermore, children from nuclear families were found to be more aggressive than those from joint families. The study also highlighted a concerning trend: the level of Emotional Intelligence among children is lower than average. Notably, no significant difference in aggression levels was found based on school type (Government vs. Private) or geographical background (Urban vs. Rural).

The Vice-Chancellor of the Punjabi University, Dr Jagdeep Singh said understanding adolescent behaviour is crucial for providing them with the right direction, making such studies a necessity of the present times.

Key findings regarding aggression among adolescents in Punjab include:

Prevalence and types:

Studies in Punjab (e.g., Moga, Bathinda) found high, often majority, levels of aggressive behaviour among school-going adolescents, with physical aggression being highly common.

Influencing factors: High aggression is significantly associated with younger age (early adolescence), nuclear family structures, and maternal employment.

Comparison to trends: Research indicates that the prevalence of aggression among adolescents in some parts of Punjab is significant, sometimes exceeding 50%.

Correlations:

Increased screen time, history of harassment, and depression are positively associated with higher aggression levels in adolescents.

Gender differences:

Boys often display higher levels of direct physical aggression, while girls may exhibit higher levels of indirect or verbal aggression, though some studies show varied patterns.