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

• In Event: Poster Session 02
  In Poster Session: PS 02 Topic - Social, Emotional, Personality

Abstract

Students in High-Achieving Schools show worrisome levels of anxiety, depression and isolation. While various commitments are known to impact student well-being, the relation between these symptoms 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 (academics, extracurriculars, sports, job/internship/volunteering opportunities, leadership roles in clubs and activities) and students’ mental health outcomes. These indices were examined in relation to adolescents’ internalizing symptoms, as well as feelings of isolation at school, after controlling for attachment to both parents. Results showed that commitment strain and commitment enjoyment had robust links to feelings of isolation at school, and significant links to symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings for all three outcomes were particularly pronounced in the independent school. Findings are discussed in terms of directions for future research with HAS populations.

Authors

• Miriam Rock, Friends Select
  Presenting Author

• Renee Benoit, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Suniya Luthar, Authentic Connections
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nina Kumar, Authentic Connections
  Non-Presenting Author