In recent years, the deterioration of adolescent mental health has become a social problem, and various countries are conducting research to explore what factors lead to the deterioration of mental health. A study conducted by a team with universities has found that young British people who go to university are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders than their non-university peers.
Depression on the rise
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities. It affects daily functioning and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including genetics and environment. The number of young adults with mental health problems in higher education, such as college and graduate school, has increased in recent years, but how the risk of mental illness differs among young people of different ages is unclear.
studying pressure
In general, young adults with higher education are more likely to have better educated parents and higher incomes, so students are more likely to have stable mental health, according to previous research on the impact of socioeconomic status on mental health. It is expected that there will be. However, students may experience increased academic, social, and financial stress, which may also have a negative impact on their mental health.
research data
The team used data from a longitudinal survey of young people living in England to find out whether attending higher education increases the risk of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
The study population included about 11,000 people aged 18 to 19, with participants in both groups going on to higher education courses such as university.
Researchers analyzed the data and found that 18- to 19-year-olds with higher education had a slightly higher risk of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. This association persisted even after controlling for factors such as socioeconomic status, parental education, and drinking history.
The study showed that eliminating the potential mental health risks of higher education could reduce rates of depression and generalized anxiety disorder in 18- to 19-year-olds by 6%. On the other hand, there are reports that the difference in mental health risks between the two groups disappears after the age of 25.
