Exam stress at 15 linked to higher risk of depression into young adulthood

A University College London study of nearly 5,000 people found that higher self-reported academic pressure at age 15 was associated with increased rates of depression and self-harm into the early 20s, with measurable percentage rises tied to one-point increases in reported pressure.

Researchers at University College London analysed data from nearly 5,000 people born in 1991–92 who were followed from mid-adolescence into their early 20s. Academic pressure was measured at age 15 through questionnaires about school experiences, and mental health was tracked from ages 16 to 22, with self-harm recorded up to age 24. The published study reports associations between higher reported pressure at 15 and increased risks of depression, self-harm and attempted suicide into early adulthood. Key findings: - The study used data from nearly 5,000 participants born in 1991–92 who took part in a longer-running child development study. - Academic pressure was assessed at age 15; mental health outcomes were followed from 16 to 22 and self-harm until age 24. - The authors reported that each extra point of academic pressure at 15 was linked to a 25% higher likelihood of depression and an 8% higher likelihood of self-harm by age 16, with effects continuing into the early 20s. - For every one-point increase in school stress, 24-year-olds were reported to be 16% more likely to say they had ever attempted suicide. - The paper and youth charities referenced whole-school approaches and reducing high-stakes tests as ways to reduce exam stress; the government said it is expanding mental health professionals in schools and reviewing overall exam time. Summary: The study associates greater academic pressure at age 15 with higher rates of depression, self-harm and attempted suicide into early adulthood. The authors and several charities called for school-level measures and fewer high-stakes tests to reduce stress, and government spokespeople described ongoing plans to expand school mental health teams and review exam time.