Fifteen-year-old exam stress linked to lasting mental health risks into adulthood
A UK study of nearly 5,000 youths found that higher academic pressure at age 15 predicts more depression and self-harm into the mid-20s, with each extra point of pressure raising the risk of depression by 25% and self-harm by 8% by age 16, and increasing the likelihood of ever attempting suicide by 16% by age 24; researchers urge schools to reduce high-stakes testing and implement whole-school, social-emotional learning strategies, while families are encouraged to support healthy routines and limit pressure.
