Stress, Anxiety Levels and Decision Making Styles of South African Senior Learners: Results of a Science Fair Project

Abstract

This study sought to determine the influence of stress and anxiety on the way in which senior learners make decisions. Although decision-making is generally important for senior learners, making decisions become more important because they are completing school and heading for different careers or just making more adult decisions in taking on more responsibilities. However, life is also stressful and can create anxiety especially in making decisions. This study used the Flinders Decision Making Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) to collect the data. A sample of 157 senior learners (Grade 10 to Grade 12) participated in the study. The majority were aged 16, female (57.3%), identified themselves as Coloured (60.5%), spoke English as a home language (84.7%) and lived with both parents. The results of this study show that senior learners use a vigilant decision-making style. When senior learners have increased stress and anxiety there is a possibility that they will use a hypervigilant decision-making style. When their anxiety increases then they could use a defensive avoidance decision-making style.