Abstract:

Abstract The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. 23 adolescents participated, of which the majority of students (n = 21) considered themselves under stress, and a large part are female. Five categories were constructed: Definition of the concept of stress, Perception of stress and strategies used to reduce or control stress, Stress contexts: social environment, family and school, Fears and expectations in relation to their own future, and Large city x Small town. It was found that the most mentioned stress inducing context was ‘school’. Participants report that they use coping strategies, such as: relaxing activities; control of impulsive actions; sports, and they feel these strategies are effective. It is concluded that even when living in smaller cities, adolescents are subject to stressful contexts and present conflicts similar to those who live in larger cities.

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