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Teen Academic Pressure Linked to Adult Depression
13 Feb
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.
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.
