Association Between Academic Stress, Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Secondary School Students: A Longitudinal Study
Keywords:
longitudinal, association, academic stress, depression, anxiety, symptoms, effectiveAbstract
This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the association between academic stress and depression and anxiety symptoms among secondary school students. A total of 500 students from four different secondary schools in the area were recruited for the study and were assessed at baseline and six months later. The study used a validated self-report questionnaire to measure academic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The results of the study showed a significant positive association between academic stress and depression and anxiety symptoms. Students who reported higher levels of academic stress at baseline were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety at follow-up. This association remained significant even after controlling for other factors, including gender, age, and academic performance. Moreover, the study also found that the association between academic stress and depression and anxiety symptoms was bidirectional. Students who reported symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline were more likely to experience higher levels of academic stress at follow-up. These findings suggest that academic stress is an important risk factor for depression and anxiety symptoms among secondary school students. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing academic stress may be effective in preventing or reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among students. Such interventions could include stress management programs, mindfulness-based interventions, and counseling services that provide students with effective coping strategies.
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