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@article{197555,
        author = {Jeniv Rishal and Mohamed Shahed and Theerdha Vijay and Nisitha M S},
        title = {FITTING IN OR STANDING OUT: INVESTIGATING RISK AND RESILIENCE AMONG YOUTH UNDER SOCIAL OR FINANCIAL STRESS A STUDY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {7500-7510},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=197555},
        abstract = {The study “Fitting in or Standing Out: Investigating Risk and Resilience among Youth under Social or Financial Stress” explores how financial and social pressures affect self-esteem, peer influence, and resilience among college students. The research is grounded in strain theories proposed by Robert K. Merton and Robert Agnew. A quantitative research design was used, involving 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 17–26 from colleges in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected through structured instruments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10). The results indicate that increased financial and social stress are linked to reduced self-esteem and stronger peer pressure. In contrast, students with higher emotional intelligence showed more effective coping strategies and greater resilience. The study suggests that strengthening emotional intelligence and offering financial assistance and counseling services can enhance student’s psychological well-being and minimize stress-related risks.},
        keywords = {Financial Stress, Social Stress, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Esteem, Peer Pressure, Resilience.},
        month = {April},
        }