Search Here

For decades, education has been a major determining factor of success. However, its impact on mental health is a complex subject. While some past studies indicated that higher education could lead to better mental health, a recent study showed otherwise.

Higher education and its pressure

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University College London found that young adults in higher education in England face a slightly higher risk of depression and anxiety compared to non-students. However, as they reach 25 years old, this difference disappears. With 10,000 participants, the study found that even after socioeconomic adjustments, students experienced a 6 percent increased risk of symptoms of depression, anxiety and social dysfunction. This may be associated with academic or financial pressures. 

However, the team said that there is still a need for more research to understand and address mental health risks among students during crucial developmental periods, especially in the first few years of higher education, in support of the mental well-being of young people.

Past studies about education and mental health

In contrast with the recent findings, a study in 2020 showed that higher education correlated with better mental health due to more life choices and improved security, while lower education was linked to a lack of resilience that later on contributed to poor mental well-being and socio-economic status. However, they also found that higher education had the potential to lead to lower job and life satisfaction.

In another study, researchers found that other demographic factors, aside from educational attainment, could contribute to a person's mental well-being. They found that women were at higher risk than men and younger people were also at higher risk of depressive symptoms, which is reflective of the recent study.