ADOLESCENT FEMALES, ACADEMIC PRESSURE AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract

This study explores the impact of academic pressure on the mental health of
adolescent females, focusing on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem [1]. Conducted among
500 females aged 13-18, the findings reveal a significant increase in anxiety and depression
levels under high academic pressure. Anxiety scores doubled from 22 to 45, and depression
scores escalated to an average of 36. Concurrently, self-esteem declined sharply, from an
average score of 32 to 18, as academic pressure intensified. High-achieving students,
experiencing intense internalized pressure, reported the highest levels of anxiety, driven by
fears of failure and uncertainty about the future. Depression, often linked to societal and
familial expectations for perfection, led to feelings of inadequacy and emotional exhaustion.
Additionally, the study found that social comparison, a common behavior among adolescents,
exacerbated feelings of low self-worth, as students perceived themselves as less successful
than their peers. These results emphasize the urgent need for supportive structures within
schools and communities to help mitigate the adverse effects of academic pressure [2].
Intervention strategies, such as stress management programs and mental health support, can
promote resilience and foster a healthier self-perception. However, the study's reliance on
self-reports, its cross-sectional design, and a narrow focus on academic stress suggest that
further research is needed to deepen understanding and develop effective interventions for
adolescent females facing academic pressure.