The consequences of discussions on mental health and the labor market on the well-being and cognitive performance of students
A recent study conducted among 1,503 students at a French public university highlighted the considerable impact of treatment themes, particularly those related to mental health and the job market, on the mental health and cognitive performance of students. students. The study found that students felt significantly worse and less calm after reading articles on these topics compared to control articles. Additionally, cognitive performance, measured using a specific task, decreased after exposure to the treatment items. Nonetheless, intriguingly, cognitive performance saw a slight increase when students were subject to a payment threshold while discussing labor market issues, suggesting that the nature of incentive structures may play a role. essential in the cognitive response.
Gender, field of study and other pre-recorded dimensions are important
The study also found heterogeneity in treatment effects based on gender, field of study and other pre-registered dimensions, highlighting the complexity of the problem. A forest causal analysis also revealed that financial situation, family background, social activity during confinement, and cognitive inflexibility played a role in participants’ response to treatment.
The role of financial and social resources
An online experiment conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic revealed that the labor market subject increases cognitive performance when motivated by a goal consistent with a scarcity tunnel effect or a positive stress effect. However, this positive reaction was primarily concentrated among students with greater financial and social resources, highlighting a mechanism for deepening inequities in how students respond to these topics.
School stress and depression: a closely linked relationship
Deepening the understanding of stress and mental health among students, a cross-sectional study in China found that academic stress had a significant impact on depression, factors such as coping style, sleep quality and interpersonal relationships playing a crucial role. The study provides new findings for understanding the relationship between academic stress and depression among students during the pandemic, suggesting targeted intervention measures for their mental health.
The Double-Edged Sword of Working While Studying
Working while in college can have both negative and positive effects on students. While this can limit flexibility, lead to financial calculations, and impact social life and mental health, it can also have positive effects on job suitability and reduce the likelihood of being undereducated for a job. However, this can increase the likelihood of being overqualified for a job. Therefore, additional support and guidance mechanisms are needed for students wishing to combine work and learning.
The heavy burden of student debt
The burden of student debt further compounds the stress students face. A review of literature spanning the period 1900 to 2019 found that student debt negatively affects mental health and well-being, with stress, anxiety and depression being dominant themes. This highlights the need for better scales and consensus on the terms used in mental health measures.
Underemployment and mental health
Finally, underemployment, a widespread problem among young graduates, has serious short- and long-term effects on the mental health of workers. As a result, there is increasing emphasis on the need for labor protection mechanisms to reduce these negative effects.
In conclusion, college students’ mental health and cognitive performance are multifaceted issues, influenced by a range of factors ranging from financial status and family background to the specific discussion topics they are exposed to. There is therefore an urgent need for more comprehensive support structures and interventions to help students overcome these challenges.
