A stressor is any event or situation that causes stress or triggers a stress response in an individual.
Three reasons why grade 12 learners could view their national senior certificate (NSC) exams as a stressor are:
High stakes: The NSC exams are high-stakes exams that determine learners' future academic and career opportunities. The pressure to perform well can lead to significant stress and anxiety.
Time constraints: Learners have a limited amount of time to prepare for the NSC exams, and the exams themselves have strict time limits. The pressure to cover all the required material and perform well within the time constraints can be overwhelming.
Expectations: There may be high expectations from parents, teachers, and peers to perform well on the NSC exams. The fear of disappointing these expectations can add to the stress and pressure felt by learners.