An Overview of Academic Stress and Its Impact on the Mental Health of Adolescence

Academic stress is considered the potential contributor to adolescent mental health problems which affects students all across the globe and has gained widespread recognition as a major issue in higher education. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand the sources and effects of academic stress. It has been stated that during the high stress periods students who are not adequately equipped with the coping mechanisms may be at increased risk for depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies. In contemporary times, students are living in a highly competitive world where academic stress coupled with increased peer competition and high expectations set by the parents and society exerts tremendous stress and pressure on students resulting in symptoms of chronic stress and psychosomatic symptoms in adolescents. With the growing concern about the increasing levels of school stress among adolescents this research paper aims to review the literature to 1) provide a theoretical overview of academic stress and its– The present paper is an attempt to review the studies related to academic stress and its impact on the mental health of adolescents. The review process included research journals, articles, editorial, report & books. Findings – The findings revealed that academic stress is the major cause of stress among adolescents and the pressure to achieve success and perform well in academics cause immense stress among adolescence leading to multiple mental health problems. Conclusion - It has been strongly emphasised that harmonious and supportive school and home environment is considered essential for the mental well -being of the students.