Differentiate between social and environmental factors that may cause stress to Grade 12 learners

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.” This is a key focus area in Life Orientation Grade 12, as learners navigate the transition between school and post-school destinations.

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Quick Answer

Social vs. Environmental Factors:

• Social Factors: Arise from relationships and interactions with people (e.g.,peer pressureor family expectations).
• Environmental Factors: Arise from physical surroundings and living conditions (e.g., noise, lack of resources, or safety concerns).
• The Difference: Social stress is about “who” is around you, while environmental stress is about “where” you are.

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Understanding Stressors in the Matric Year

In the South African Life Orientation curriculum, stressors are categorised to help learners identify the root cause of their distress. Identifying these factors is the first step in applying effective stress management techniques.

1. Social Factors causing Stress

Social stressors are linked to the people in a learner’s life and the pressure of social standing.

• Peer Pressure: The need to fit in or participate in social events when you should be focusing on academic priorities.
• Family Expectations: High pressure from parents to achieve top marks to meet university admission requirements.
• Relationship Conflicts: Dealing with unsettled conflicts or detrimental relationships that drain emotional energy.

2. Environmental Factors causing Stress

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

• Poor Study Environment: A lack of a quiet, well-lit area or living in a crowded household can lead to frustration and excessive stress.
• Resource Limitations: Limited access to the internet for researching funding options or textbooks can cause panic.
• Safety Concerns: Living in an area with high crime creates a constant state of “Alarm,” as described in the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).

3. Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Social Factors	Environmental Factors
Origin	People, culture, and social circles.	Physical surroundings and infrastructure.
Example	Competition for the highest APS score.	Noise pollution or frequent load shedding.
Primary Impact	Affects self-esteem and emotional state.	Affects physical comfort and concentration.
Management	Constructive conflict resolution.	Changing your study location or planning around travel arrangements.

4. Why This Differentiator Matters

Understanding these differences helps a learner choose the right coping mechanism. For example, you cannot fix a noisy environment (environmental) using effective communication alone; you may need to go to a local library. Conversely, you cannot fix peer pressure (social) by simply moving to a quieter room.

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.