Students Punished at School are More Likely to Suffer From Anxiety and Depression

A University of Minnesota study found that children subjected to exclusionary discipline (ED) at school face a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. The findings emphasize the importance of rethinking how educators handle students who misbehave, given the negative impact of traditional punishment methods.

Although this study focuses on a single U.S. state, exclusionary discipline (ED) is widespread worldwide, and roughly one-fifth of the global population is in school. As a result, hundreds of millions of young people across the globe may experience the negative mental health effects of ED.

Study Analyzes Data from Over 82,000 Minnesota Students

The study analyzed data from over 82,000 8th, 9th, and 11th-grade students in Minnesota public schools, collected in 2019. These students had all taken part in the Minnesota State Survey, an anonymous survey conducted every three years to gain insights into students’ experiences in the state’s educational system. Notably, this survey has been administered every three years since 1989.

The research team examined how students’ experiences with exclusionary discipline—such as suspensions, expulsions, and detentions—impacted their mental health. They used tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 to assess depression symptoms and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-2 to measure anxiety levels.

Study Finds 1 in 10 Students Face Exclusionary Discipline

The study found that 1 in 10 students experienced exclusionary discipline (ED), with higher rates among males, nonbinary children, children of color, those in special education, and youth living in poverty.

Among students subjected to ED, the research showed a 64% increase in the likelihood of developing depression symptoms and a 49% higher chance of experiencing anxiety symptoms.

The team noted that students facing ED reported feelings such as “little interest or pleasure in doing things,” “feeling down, depressed, or hopeless,” “feeling nervous, anxious or on edge,” and “inability to stop or control worrying.”

Youth Anxiety and Depression Linked to Exclusionary Discipline

As the Population Reference Bureau highlights, anxiety and depression in youth can lead to academic struggles, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior. Students facing exclusionary discipline (ED) may also be at a higher risk of dropping out, having difficulty finding or keeping jobs, and engaging in criminal behavior.

While these findings are concerning, it’s important to note that various protective factors can help mitigate the negative impact of ED on mental health. These include:

• Extracurricular youth development opportunities
• Strong parent connections
• Caring friends
• A trusted adult to talk to at school
• Positive teacher-student relationships
• Feeling safe at school

Consistently ensuring students have access to these factors can enhance their emotional well-being.

The researchers emphasize that the key takeaway is the need for new disciplinary approaches. They argue that “disciplinary frameworks that view student misbehavior as a coping mechanism and implement trauma-informed, restorative practices and support systems are likely to benefit both students and schools.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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