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Teen Stress Linked to Adult Mental Health Woes
13 Feb
Summary
- Academic pressure at 15 increases risk of depression into adulthood.
- Higher school stress linked to greater mental ill health by age 24.
- Charity urges reducing high-stakes tests for student wellbeing.
New research indicates that academic pressure experienced by 15-year-olds can lead to increased risks of depression and self-harm well into early adulthood. The study, which tracked nearly 5,000 young people, found a direct correlation between worries about schoolwork and family expectations and later mental health issues.
Further analysis revealed that for every point increase in academic pressure at age 15, the likelihood of depression and self-harm saw notable rises, with effects persisting into the early twenties. Experts suggest that the focus should shift from helping pupils cope with stress to reducing the sources of stress itself.
Organizations like Young Minds and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health emphasize the need for systemic changes. Recommendations include reducing the number of high-stakes tests, promoting social and emotional learning, and encouraging healthier lifestyles. The government has stated its commitment to improving mental health support in schools and reviewing the curriculum.
