A recent study using SHRN data, has revealed a concerning trend among secondary school learners in Wales. It reveals that perceived pressure from schoolwork has doubled over the past two decades. This increase in academic stress is closely linked to a rise in emotional problems among young peoples, raising public health and well-being concerns.
To read more about this study, click here. (Journal: Published in JCPP Advances.)
Conducted by researchers at The Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health at Cardiff University and DECIPHer, the study analysed SHRN data from over 300,000 secondary school learners from 2002 to 2021 and data from The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study.
The comprehensive analysis revealed that since 2009, the number of learners reporting intense schoolwork pressure has nearly doubled, with 26% feeling significant pressure in 2021. Older female learners are particularly affected.
Dr. Jessica Armitage, the lead researcher, said:
‘It’s concerning to see how many young people in Wales are overwhelmed by perceived schoolwork pressure, especially girls. We must investigate further why these pressures are escalating. Understanding the root causes of these pressures is crucial for developing effective interventions to support young people.
‘Future research must urgently explore whether changes in perceived schoolwork pressure are due to more pressurised school environments, shifting expectations, or other challenges. This understanding is vital to prevent further increases in schoolwork pressure and young people’s mental health problems’.
Read our SHRN blog about this study.