Exam season has become a source of intense stress for many teenagers, who find themselves under high pressure to perform.
According to a recent survey by YoungMinds, over 80% of teenagers report that academic expectations are a primary source of their anxiety.
This overwhelming pressure often leads to procrastination, with students postponing their revision until the final days before their exams.
Psychologists attribute this avoidance to "academic burnout," which occurs when teens feel too overwhelmed to begin studying, creating a cycle of stress and laziness.
"Teens want to succeed but often lack the tools to manage the anxiety that comes with high expectations," says Dr. Claire Richards, a child psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health [American Psychological Association, 2023]
As deadlines loom, students find themselves cramming, which may compromise their overall score on their exams and mental health and well-being.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health reveals that continuous display to academic stress can lead to further issues like insomnia, low self-esteem, and, in severe cases, depression.
Teachers recommend doing small, manageable study goals early on, allowing students to break free from the cycle of stress-driven and unmanageable procrastination.
By forming healthier study habits, teens may not only improve their exam scores but also protect their mental health, building resilience for future challenges they may face in their lives.
