[Changes in psycho-physical stress in third-class high school students as a result of school reform].

Before the introduction of school reform 344 students of third classes of high schools (238 girls and 106 boys) were examined, and after introduction of the reform - 373 students (240 girls and 133 boys) were examined. The psychophysical stress of the students was assessed by means of standardized inquiry containing 77 questions grouped so that it was possible to evaluate psychophysical stress connected with ++school work, home work, timing of work during the day, situation of the student in class and in family, and with the psychic state. The sum of points obtained from all questions gave information on the total psychophysical stress. Responses to certain questions defined objectively the situations of stress and subjective experiencing of their fatigue. The school reform increased the general psychophysical stress. Before and after introduction of the reform in school programmes the stress felt by girls was greater than that of boys. The introduction of changes in the programmes had a different effect on the intensity of stress in girls and boys. In girls the stress resulting from the objectively existing stressful situation, from schoolwork and timing of work during the day was greater. The stress experienced by boys was increased in the aspects of schoolwork, situation of the student in his class and family, and psychic state, as well as subjective experiencing of stresses.