Question

Riya and Meher are assigned the same hostel room with three other girls. The room is small and often noisy. While Riya feels stressed, complains of lack of privacy, and prefers to study in the library, Meher adjusts well, chats with everyone, and does not mind the space constraints.

1. Suggest how Riya can develop a positive attitude towards her situation.    [2]
2. Referring to Riya’s and Meher’s responses, explain how individual reactions to crowded situations can impact their well-being.   [2]

Answer 1

1. Riya can develop a positive attitude towards her situation by adopting any of the following ways:
   • The power of positive thinking has been increasingly recognised in reducing and coping with stress. If Riya develops positive thinking and attitude, her stress levels will be low. 
   • She must expect favourable life outcomes, as optimism has been linked to psychological and physical well-being.
   • She needs to perceive reality accurately and not harbour unrealistic expectations.
   • She needs to be tolerant of others and understand different points of view.
   • She must develop a good sense of humour and be able to laugh at herself and life to help her see things in a lighter vein.
2. 
   
   1. People respond differently to the same environment based on their crowding tolerance, that is, their ability to remain comfortable and mentally stable in limited or shared spaces.
   2. In this case, Riya has a lower tolerance for crowding. She finds the small, noisy hostel room overwhelming, experiences stress, and feels a lack of privacy. This discomfort affects her emotional well-being and makes it difficult for her to focus on studies, leading her to seek quieter places like the library. Her need for personal space and peace is not met in the crowded setting, resulting in psychological strain.
   3. On the other hand, Meher demonstrates a higher crowding tolerance. She adjusts easily, socialises with her roommates, and does not feel disturbed by the noise or limited space. Her ability to cope with crowding reflects better mental adaptability, allowing her to remain emotionally stable and socially active.