How does academic pressure in teenagers affect their mental health later in life?

Academic pressure experienced by teenagers can lead to higher levels of depression and an increased risk of self-harm that persists into early adulthood.

What are the long-term consequences of academic stress on young adults?

Young adults who faced significant academic pressure as teenagers may continue to experience depressive symptoms and are at a higher risk of self-harm.

What can schools do to help reduce academic pressure on students?

Schools can implement whole-school initiatives, reduce the number of high-stakes tests, and introduce interventions that enhance social and emotional learning and relaxation skills.

Home / Health / Teen Academic Pressure Linked to Adult Depression

Teen Academic Pressure Linked to Adult Depression

13 Feb

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Summary

Academic pressure on 15-year-olds predicts depression into early adulthood.
High school stress increases the risk of self-harm up to age 24.
Whole-school initiatives can help reduce academic pressure and improve mental health.

Teen Academic Pressure Linked to Adult Depression

Academic pressure during adolescence significantly impacts long-term mental health, a recent study indicates. Researchers observed that heightened academic stress in 15-year-olds correlated with increased depressive symptoms persisting into their early twenties.

The study, which tracked individuals born in 1991 or 1992, further linked intense school pressure to a greater likelihood of self-harm, with these risks extending up to the age of 24. These findings highlight a potential pathway from academic strain to a rise in mental health challenges among young people.

Experts suggest that implementing school-wide strategies to mitigate academic pressure, alongside interventions that foster social-emotional learning and relaxation skills, could be beneficial. Reducing the number of high-stakes tests is also noted as a way to decrease academic stress.

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