Understanding Mental Health: Academic Pressure in Asian Students
By Marwa Rahimyar
Introduction
Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. It is particularly crucial in academic settings where the pressures and demands can significantly impact students' mental health.
Asian students face unique challenges related to academic pressure, stemming from cultural expectations, competitive educational environments, and family dynamics. In many Asian cultures, academic success is deeply intertwined with familial honor and societal prestige, often leading to intense pressure on students to excel. This pressure is compounded by highly competitive educational systems, such as those in China and South Korea, where high-stakes exams can determine future opportunities. These factors create a unique and often overwhelming stress landscape for Asian students. According to a study on "Academic Stress and Sleep Quality Among Chinese Adolescents", the chain mediating effects of anxiety and school burnout are significant contributors to poor mental health outcomes.
Through our work at Asian Together, we hope to shed light on the impact of academic pressure on the mental health of Asian students and suggest ways to support them. By exploring the intersection of cultural expectations, educational demands, and family dynamics, we aim to understand the complex nature of academic stress. According to the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, the psychological stress theory can help explain the tragic consequences of this relentless pressure. Furthermore, the Journal of Affective Disorders highlights the association between academic pressure and adolescent mental health problems, emphasizing the need for a supportive and understanding approach. Through this blog, we will discuss the role of families and educational institutions, coping mechanisms, and advocate for mental health initiatives tailored to the unique challenges faced by Asian students.
Understanding the Issue
Cultural Context
In many Asian communities, academic achievement is deeply embedded in cultural values and family expectations. High expectations from parents and societal pressures place a tremendous burden on students to excel academically. For instance, in a survey conducted by the Asian American Psychological Association, 62% of Asian American students reported feeling pressured to achieve high grades to meet their parents' expectations. This cultural emphasis on education is often seen as a pathway to secure a prosperous future and bring honor to the family. According to the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, the psychological stress theory can help explain the tragic consequences of this relentless pressure, as students are often taught to equate their self-worth with academic success.
Educational Systems
The educational systems in various Asian countries are characterized by high-stakes examinations and an intense focus on academic performance. In China, for example, the Gaokao exam is a crucial determinant of university admission and future career prospects. Similarly, the Suneung exam in South Korea and the JEE in India are other examples of high-pressure examinations that students must prepare for rigorously. The Journal of Affective Disorders highlights that such educational systems contribute significantly to the academic stress experienced by students. Moreover, in Asian communities within Western countries, students often face the dual pressure of succeeding in a competitive educational environment while navigating cultural expectations from their families.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to their peers from other cultural backgrounds, Asian students face uniquely intense academic pressures. While students worldwide experience academic stress, the intensity and cultural underpinnings in Asian contexts make the experience particularly acute. According to the Office of Minority Health, Asian American males in grades 9-12 were 30% more likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-Hispanic white peers, highlighting the severe mental health impacts of academic pressure. Additionally, the Stanford CARE Program points out that the emphasis on high achievement and perfectionism in Asian cultures exacerbates the stress experienced by students, leading to higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their Western counterparts.
Through this comparative lens, it becomes evident that while academic pressure is a universal challenge, its manifestation and impact are significantly amplified within Asian communities due to cultural and systemic factors.
Looking Ahead
Call to Action
Addressing the mental health challenges faced by Asian students requires a concerted effort from families, educational institutions, and the broader community. It is essential to advocate for mental health initiatives tailored to the unique cultural and academic pressures experienced by these students. Schools and universities should implement policies that prioritize student well-being, such as reducing the emphasis on high-stakes testing and providing accessible mental health resources. Additionally, it is crucial to foster an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma or judgment.
Coping Mechanisms and Support
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can help students manage stress and maintain focus. These techniques have been shown to improve mental health and academic performance. Seeking help from mental health professionals, such as counselors and psychologists, is crucial for students experiencing severe stress or mental health issues. Schools should provide accessible counseling services and encourage students to utilize these resources.
Parents play a vital role in reducing academic pressure by setting realistic expectations and providing emotional support. Encouraging open communication and understanding the challenges faced by their children can foster a supportive home environment. An article from The Campanile emphasizes that parents often fail to acknowledge mental health issues, inadvertently adding to student stress. By being more attuned to their children's mental health needs, parents can help mitigate the impact of academic pressure.
Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and fostering strong peer support networks can help students build resilience and find a sense of balance. Engaging in hobbies and social activities provides a much-needed break from academic responsibilities and promotes overall well-being.
By adopting these coping mechanisms and seeking appropriate support, Asian students can better manage academic pressure and maintain their mental health. It is imperative that families, educators, and communities work together to create an environment that values both academic achievement and personal well-being, ensuring that students can thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Additional Sources:
"Academic Stress and Sleep Quality Among Chinese Adolescents: Chain Mediating Effects of Anxiety and School Burnout." PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9916062/.
"Parents fail to acknowledge mental health issues, add to student stress." Parents fail to acknowledge mental health issues, add to student stress, 24 Mar. 2023, accessed 2 July 2024.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 7, No. 2; February 2017, Xin Chen, et al. "Academic Stress among Chinese Adolescents: Can Psychological Stress Theory Explain This Tragedy?" International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3 Feb. 2017, accessed 3 July 2014.
www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_7_No_2_February_2017/3.pdf
Journal of Affective Disorders, Thomas Steare, et al. "The association between academic pressure and adolescent mental health problems: A systematic review." 15 Oct. 2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032723008510
"Mental and Behavioral Health - Asian Americans." Office of Minority Health, minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-asian-americans#:~:text=Asian%20American%20males%2C%20in%20grades,compared%20to%20non%2DHispanic%20whites
"Mental Health Among Asian-Americans." Https://www.apa.org, 1 May 2012, www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/asian-american/article-mental-health.
"The Mental Health of Asian American Adolescents and Young Adults Amid the Rise of Anti-Asian Racism." PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9880072/
Stanford Medical Education Faculty, Steph Murphy-Shigematsu, et al. "Asian American Student Stress: The other Side of Achievement." 11 Feb. 2019, accessed 5 July 2024.med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/care/Asian-American-Student-Stress
Tone, Sixth. "China Is Getting Seriously Worried About Student Anxiety." #SixthTone, www.sixthtone.com/news/1012956
"Why Asian Americans Don’t Seek Help for Mental Illness." McLean Hospital | Mental Health Treatment, Research, and Education (Belmont, MA), www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/why-asian-americans-dont-seek-help-mental-illness.
