Differentiate between social and environmental factors that may cause stress to grade 12 learners as they transition from grade 11

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Differentiate between social and environmental factors that may cause stress to Grade 12 learners as they transition from Grade 11.” This is a key focus area in Life Orientation Grade 12, as learners navigate growth and change.

---

Quick Answer

Social vs. Environmental Factors:

• Social Factors: Arise from your relationships and interactions with other people (e.g.,peer pressureor family expectations).
• Environmental Factors: Arise from your physical surroundings or the conditions in which you live and study (e.g., noise, lack of resources, or safety concerns).
• Key Difference: Social stress is about “who” is around you; environmental stress is about “where” you are.

---

Understanding Stressors During the Matric Transition

In the South African Life Orientation curriculum, stressors are categorised to help learners identify the root cause of their distress. As you move from the “pre-matric” year into the high-pressure exit grade, these factors often intensify.

1. Social Factors causing Stress

Social stressors are linked to the people in a learner’s life. As a Grade 12 learner, your social circle can either be a support system or a source of intrapersonal conflict.

• Peer Pressure: The need to “fit in” or participate in social events when you should be focusing on NSC exam preparation.
• Family Expectations: High pressure from parents to meet specific university admission requirements to maintain family “honour.”
• Relationship Issues: Dealing with detrimental relationships or breakups during a time when emotional stability is needed for focus.

2. Environmental Factors causing Stress

Environmental stressors are external, physical conditions that make it difficult to study or feel at peace.

• Physical Study Space: A lack of a quiet, well-lit area to study can lead to frustration and excessive stress.
• Safety and Security: Living in an area with high crime or violence creates a constant state of “Alarm,” as described in the General Adaptation Syndrome.
• Resource Scarcity: Limited access to the internet for researching funding options or textbooks can cause significant stress and uncertainty.
• Pollution and Noise: Constant noise from traffic or neighbours can prevent the concentration needed for complex goal setting.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Social Factors	Environmental Factors
Origin	People, culture, and relationships.	Physical surroundings and living conditions.
Example	Competition with classmates for top marks.	Load shedding or a noisy household.
Impact	Affects self-esteem and emotional well-being.	Affects physical comfort and ability to focus.
Control	Managed through boundaries and communication.	Managed through planning and seeking better spaces.

4. Why the Transition Increases These Factors

The move from Grade 11 to Grade 12 is a “high-stakes” transition. In Grade 11, the consequences of social or environmental distractions feel further away. In Grade 12, every hour of lost study time or every social conflict directly impacts your Admission Point Score (APS), making these stressors feel much more urgent.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Textbook: Focus Life Orientation Grade 12 (Chapter 1)
• Topic: Development of the self in society – Types of stressors.