Age And Gender Differences In General Well-Being And Environmental Influences Among Tribal Adolescents Of Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamilnadu

Abstract

Background: Tribal adolescents residing in ecologically sensitive zones like the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) face unique challenges that influence their physical, emotional, social, and school-related well-being. Environmental isolation, limited infrastructure, and socio-cultural practices significantly shape their developmental outcomes. This study explores age- and gender-wise differences in general well-being across four tribal communities, such as Muduvar, Kadar, Malasar, and Malai Malasar of Pollachi Division.

Objectives: To assess the general well-being of tribal adolescents across dimensions, compare age and gender wise variations within and between communities, and understand how environmental and socio-cultural factors influence well-being.

Materials and Methods: A total of 195 adolescents (aged 12-18) were selected using purposive sampling from 16 tribal settlements in ATR, Pollachi Division. General well-being was assessed using the General Well-Being Scale, developed by Dr. Ashok K. Kalia and Anitha Deswal (2011), which consists of 55 statements under 5-point Likert scale covering four dimensions: physical, emotional, social, and school well-being. Data were analyzed using sdescriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA to compare age and gender across tribal communities.

Results: The Majority of the adolescents exhibited average levels of general well-being (76.9%). Gender differences were evident in school well-being, with boys scoring higher in certain communities. Age-wise comparisons inclined in well-being among middle adolescents aged 15-17, followed by an improvement at late adolescence aged 18. Environmental challenges, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and mobility which were reflected as poorer performance in school and physical well-being, particularly among girls.

Conclusion: Tribal adolescents’ well-being in Annamalai Tiger Reserve is deeply influenced by ecological and cultural constraints. Environmental remoteness, gender roles, and transitional phases affect the well-being of tribal adolescents. Culturally rooted, environment-sensitive awareness or interventions that promote inclusive education, health & well-being, and gender equity are vital for sustainable adolescent development in forest-based communities.