The Impact of Strain and Enjoyment on Student Mental Health: Overcommitment in High-Achieving Schools

• In Event: Stressors in the Lives of Students

Abstract

High-Achieving School students show worrisome levels of anxiety, depression and isolation. The relation between student well-being and the amount of strain and enjoyment that students derive from extracurricular activities has yet to be comprehensively explored. In two schools, one public and one independent, this study sought to understand the links between the strain and enjoyment associated with commitments in different areas and students’ mental health outcomes. These indices were examined in relation to adolescents’ internalizing symptoms and feelings of isolation, after controlling for parent attachment. Results showed that commitment strain and enjoyment had significant links to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety, especially in the independent school. Findings are discussed in terms of directions for future HAS future research.

Authors

• Miriam Rock, Authentic Connections

• Renee Lynn Benoit, Authentic Connections

• Suniya Luthar, Arizona State University