B4235 - The association between academic pressure and adolescent depression and self-harm - 27/02/2023
B number:
B4235
Principal applicant name:
Gemma Lewis | University College London (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants:
Marie Mueller
Title of project:
The association between academic pressure and adolescent depression and self-harm
Proposal summary:
Academic Pressure can be defined as fear of failure, concerns about the future, stress about workload and exams, worries about parental expectations, and competition with peers for grades. The UK has some of the highest levels of academic pressure in secondary schools, and this has risen in recent decades. Despite widespread concerns about academic pressure in the UK, it has rarely been investigated in relation to adolescent mental health.
My project will investigate whether academic pressure is a modifiable causal risk factor for adolescent depression, self-harm and suicide. If so, academic pressure could be targeted in universal interventions in schools, to prevent adolescent depression, self-harm and suicide.
Impact of research:
My work with young people and teachers suggests that academic pressure is influenced by individuals, schools, families, policy, and society. My research could therefore inform prevention at each of these levels. I am particularly interested in the possibility of whole-school interventions
Date proposal received:
Friday, 13 January, 2023
Date proposal approved:
Monday, 16 January, 2023
Keywords:
Epidemiology, Mental health, Statistical methods, Cohort studies - attrition, bias, participant engagement, ethics