The idea that mental health problems can hinder academic performance has been suggested by many, but there lacks any concrete evidence that supports this claim. In a study done by Ronny Bruffaerts and colleagues, the relationship between these two variables is thoroughly investigated. 4921 freshmen students at KU Leuven University were surveyed and it was found that 1/3 of freshman students who mentioned they had a mental health problem, also had reduced academic performance. Despite the lack of generalizability of this study, it nonetheless suggests that there is an association between mental health problems and lower academic performance. Further research is needed to investigate programs that can be implemented in schools, to help students cope/resolve these mental health problems.
Source:
Bruffaerts, Ronny et al. Mental health problems in college freshmen: Prevalence and academic functioning. Journal of Affective Disorders: 225 (97 – 10). Retrieved from: http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327(16)32454-5/abstract
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